optional Meaning & Definition
What Does Optional Mean?
Optional is used as an adjective meaning Not compulsory; left to personal choice; elective. As a noun, it means Something that is not compulsory, especially part of an academic course. As a noun, it means (sometimes capitalized) In various programming languages, a kind of variable that is assigned a specific data type but may or may not hold an actual value.
Word Facts for Optional
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈɒp.ʃə.nəl/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | facultative, ex gratia and elective |
| Antonyms | obligatory, non-optional and nonoptional |
| Plural | optionals |
Optional Definition (Adjective)
- Not compulsory; left to personal choice; elective.
On that beach clothing is entirely optional.
Optional as a Noun
- Something that is not compulsory, especially part of an academic course.
- In various programming languages, a kind of variable that is assigned a specific data type but may or may not hold an actual value.
Noun
- (sometimes capitalized) In various programming languages, a kind of variable that is assigned a specific data type but may or may not hold an actual value.
Synonyms of Optional
Optional synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Optional
Optional in a Sentence
On that beach clothing is entirely optional.
Word Forms & Grammar
optional (not comparable)
optional (plural optionals)
Origin of Optional
From option + -al.
Optional Pronunciation
You say optional as /ˈɒp.ʃə.nəl/. It has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (ɒp).
Questions People Ask About Optional
Is optional an adjective or a noun?
Optional is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for optional?
You can replace optional with words such as facultative, ex gratia and elective. See the full list of optional synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of optional?
The opposite of optional can be expressed with words like obligatory, non-optional and nonoptional.
What is the plural of optional?
The plural of optional is optionals.