optional
optional Lexical Profile
optional Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Available to be chosen, done, or included according to personal preference, rather than being required or compulsory.
"Attending the evening networking reception is completely optional, though all conference guests are welcome."
• noun
An elective subject, course, or extra feature that may be chosen but is not required.
"Alongside the core curriculum, third-year students must select two optionals from the humanities department."
A competitive gymnastics or figure skating routine in which the athlete chooses the elements and choreography rather than performing prescribed compulsory movements (usually in plural).
"She was in third place after the compulsory routines, but her high score in the optionals won her the gold medal."
• Rhymes for optional
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-18th century from 'option' plus the adjectival suffix '-al', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'optio' (free choice), from 'optare' (to choose or wish).