optional
Adjective
Easy difficulty
What does “optional” mean?
adjective.left to one's choice; not required.
SAT Usage
the term is commonly found in contexts discussing choices, requirements, or educational settings, such as course selections or extracurricular activities. It emphasizes the freedom to choose without obligation, highlighting the contrast between mandatory and voluntary actions, and differs from "voluntary" by suggesting that while the choice exists, the option may not carry the same connotation of personal initiative.
Common Confusions
Optional implies a choice that is available without obligation, while voluntary usually suggests an action taken out of personal initiative or willingness.
Do not choose optional if the context emphasizes necessity or requirement rather than being left to one's choice and not required.
Example Sentences
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On that beach clothing is entirely optional.