Academic / B2

OPSH-uh-nl/ˈɒpʃənl/

Optional means you can choose to do it or not: optional extras; an optional unit. Opposite: compulsory / obligatory (already in the dictionary); option is the noun (already elsewhere). The revision session is optional; the mock is not. Mix-up: optimum; optical is about eyes or light. Do not mark a required paper optional on the timetable.

Meaning

You can choose to do it or not; not required.

Examples

• “The revision session is optional; the mock is not, the bulletin said.”
• “Optional extras on the trip form still need a price, which is the paid-choice sense.”

Good to know

optional + noun; optional for. Opposite: compulsory / obligatory. Noun: option. Trap: optimum / optical. Timetables, exams, and forms. Not required.

Topics

New