# optionally

/ˈɒpʃənəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/optionally
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

as a choice or possibility. You use this to describe something that you can do or have, but it is not required.

For teachers: as a choice or possibility; in a manner that is not mandatory. Often used to describe features or steps that are available but not compulsory.

## Examples

- You can optionally add extra cheese to your pizza.
- The software allows users to optionally save their progress to the cloud or keep it on their local device.
- While the core requirements are strict, the final chapter of the report may be optionally expanded to include supplementary data that, while interesting, is not essential for the primary analysis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.