Word
elective
Phoneticselec·tive
US/ɪˈɫɛktɪv/
UK/ɪlˈɛktɪv/
Countable noun Education
Definition
n. a class or subject you choose to take at school or university. Unlike required classes, you pick these based on your own interests.
n. an optional course of study chosen by the student from a range of available subjects. Often contrasted with core or mandatory requirements within a curriculum.
Examples
“I chose photography as my elective this semester.”
“While her major is in biology, she decided to take a creative writing elective to improve her communication skills.”
“The university offers a diverse range of electives, allowing students to explore niche interests like medieval history or digital marketing alongside their primary degree requirements.”
Examples
simple
“I chose photography as my elective this semester.”
contextual
“While her major is in biology, she decided to take a creative writing elective to improve her communication skills.”
complex
“The university offers a diverse range of electives, allowing students to explore niche interests like medieval history or digital marketing alongside their primary degree requirements.”
Usage
Commonly used in North American educational contexts; often paired with the verb 'take' or 'choose'.
Real-World Examples
“To make that history elective is to make the explanation itself optional.” “This was the first time these two groups of doctors went on strike in Northern Ireland, and while some routine and elective services were cancelled, the Department of Health said 90% had gone ahead.” Etymology
From elect + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/elective