ENGLISH
REFERENCE

optional

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɑpʃənəɫ// UK //ˈɒpʃənəl// op·tion·al

adj. available as a choice but not required. You use this to describe something you can decide to do or include if you want to.

adj. available to be chosen but not obligatory. Describes a feature, action, or component that is left to one's discretion.


SIMPLE

The extra training session is optional for all staff.

CONTEXTUAL

In many programming languages, the final semicolon is optional if the statement is the last one in the block.

COMPLEX

While the core modules are mandatory for graduation, students may select from several optional electives to tailor the degree to their specific career goals.

Antonyms
Origin

From option + -al.

Usage

Typically functions as a predicative or attributive adjective; often contrasted with 'mandatory' or 'required'.

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