optional
/ˈɒpʃ(ə)n(ə)l
/adjective
Available to be chosen but not obligatory: a wide range of optional excursions is offered...
- An optional carry case is available which features an armband strap.
- Schooling is compulsory and free for the first nine years and optional and free for the next three.
- He feels that Sanskrit could be introduced as one of the optional languages in schools and colleges.
Synonyms
voluntary, non-compulsory, at one's discretion, discretionary, not required, up to the individual, elective, non-mandatory, free, open, unforced;
Law permissive
rare discretional
Derivatives
optionality
optionally
/ adverb ...- Users can optionally add extra keywords, or tags, to messages.
- If these effects are not judged to be sufficiently powerful, then the player may optionally move on to Emergency Stage Two.
- The unused pieces of polenta can be cut in cubes, optionally sautéed, and simply added to a stew, a stir-fry or a soup.