optional
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.describes something you can choose to do or not do.
adj.denoting something that is left to choice rather than being required or mandatory.
Simple“The school trip is optional, so you don't have to go if you are busy.”
In context“While the core modules are mandatory for graduation, the advanced seminar remains optional for those seeking additional credits.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.something that is not required, like an extra subject at school.
n.an item, such as a course of study or a vehicle feature, that is not compulsory.
Simple“Leather seats are one of the many expensive optionals available for this car.”
In context“The curriculum includes three core sciences and a wide variety of optionals ranging from art history to computer science.”
UsageOften used in the plural when referring to car features or school subjects.
Antonymsrequirementmust have - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a type of data in computer code that might or might not have a value.
n.a container or wrapper type that may or may not contain a meaningful value, used to handle null cases safely.
Simple“The function returns an optional because the user might not have an email address.”
In context“By using an Optional instead of a null pointer, the developer explicitly signals that the return value might be empty, reducing runtime errors.”
UsageOften capitalized when referring to the specific class or type in languages like Swift or Java.
Teacher's tipThis is a highly specific technical term; outside of software engineering, 'optional' is almost exclusively an adjective.
Synonymsnullablemaybe type
From option + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.