Opt

Definition

Opt means to make a choice or decision, especially in preference of one course of action or possibility over others.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɑpt/
• Respelling: OPT (with "OPT" as in "opt")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɒpt/
• Respelling: OPT (similar to American English, with "OPT" as in "opt")

In both dialects, "opt" is a single syllable word, with the pronunciation straightforwardly focusing on the "OPT" sound.

Etymology

Derived from the French word "opter" which means "to choose", originating from the Latin "optāre".

Derivatives

• Option (noun form, meaning "a thing that is or may be chosen")
• Opt-in (verb form, meaning "to choose to participate in something")
• Opt-out (verb form, meaning "to choose not to participate in something")
• Optional (adjective form, describing something that is not obligatory)
• Optative (adjective form, expressing a wish or hope)

Synonyms

• Choose
• Decide
• Elect

Antonyms

• Reject
• Decline
• Refuse

Usage

"Opt" generally denotes the action of making a selection or deciding in favor of one possibility among several.

• Many students opt for online courses due to their flexibility.
• He decided to opt out of the company's health insurance plan.
• Given the two destinations, we opted for the beach over the mountains.

Related Terms

• Option
• Decision
• Selection
• Preference
• Choice

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To Choose: To select or decide on a particular course of action from a range of possibilities.‍
• Example: She had the opportunity to study abroad, and she opted for France.

• Opt In: To choose to participate or be involved in something, often by actively making a known preference or selection.‍
• Example: Users need to opt in to receive our monthly newsletter.

• Opt Out: To decide not to participate in something, especially by actively indicating a desire not to be included.‍
• Example: Many have chosen to opt out of the data collection program.‍