optional

4 definitions • 5 examples

If something is optional, you can choose if you want to do it, pay it, buy it, etc.:

English is compulsory for all students, but art and music are optional.

not necessary or demanded but possible or available; depending on what you decide to do:

I think military service should be completely optional.

something that is optional is something that you can buy or do if you want to, but that you do not have to buy or do:

Optional plug-ins cost a further $50 on average.

optional accessories/components

something that can be added, at extra cost, to a basic product or service to make it more attractive, efficient, etc.:

Some car manufacturers offer advanced stereo systems as an optional extra on their more expensive models.