elective
elective Lexical Profile
elective Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Chosen by the individual rather than required; optional or voluntary, especially regarding an academic course or medical procedure scheduled in advance.
"The hospital temporarily postponed all elective surgeries to free up intensive care beds."
Related to, determined by, or appointed by means of an election.
"She was the first woman in her family to run for an elective office in the state legislature."
• noun
North American An optional academic course or subject that a student chooses to take, as opposed to a required core course.
"Alongside his required engineering classes, he enrolled in a photography elective to fulfill his arts credit."
Word Nuance & Usage
In medical terminology, "elective" surgery does not necessarily mean a cosmetic or non-essential procedure; rather, it indicates a necessary treatment that is scheduled in advance because it does not involve an immediate, life-threatening emergency.
• Rhymes for elective
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late Middle English period from Old French electif or Medieval Latin electivus, derived from Latin electus, the past participle of eligere ("to pick out, select").