verb · C1

Opt

OPT/ɒpt/

To opt is to choose: opt for the hall exam, opt to stay, opt out of the mailing. Choose is everyday; option is the noun (already related). Adopt is take up a policy — a lookalike. Do not opt a sandwich; you opt for it or opt to eat it.

Meaning

To choose one thing rather than another (opt for / opt to / opt out).

Examples

“Half the cohort opted for the take-home paper; the rest sat the hall exam.”
“Half the year opted for the take-home; the rest sat the invigilated paper.”
“Choose is everyday. Opt out is leave a default. Option is the noun. Adopt a policy is different. Grammar: opt for + noun; opt to + verb.”

Good to know

Choose (opt for / to / out). Everyday: choose. Noun: option. Mix-up: adopt (take up a policy). Not “opt a thing” without for/to.

Near in meaning

choose

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