optional

adjective
UK: /ˈɒpʃənəl/
US: /ˈɑːpʃənəl/

  1. Available but not required.

    1. Wearing a helmet is optional on this bike tour, but recommended.
    2. The extra insurance coverage is optional, but it might be useful depending on your situation.

  2. Something you can choose to do or have, but it is not necessary.

    1. The side dishes are optional with the main course at the restaurant.
    2. Taking the final exam is optional for students who maintain an A average throughout the semester.

Synonyms

voluntary elective discretionary

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "optional" in English means: Available but not required., Something you can choose to do or have, but it is not necessary..

The phonetic transcription of "optional" is /ˈɒpʃənəl/ in British English and /ˈɑːpʃənəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "optional": voluntary, elective, discretionary.

Example usage of "optional": "Wearing a helmet is optional on this bike tour, but recommended.". More examples on the page.