optionalop‧tion‧al /ˈɒpʃənəl $ ˈɑːp-/ ●●○ AWL adjective 
three optional courses The other excursions are optional.optional extra British English Leather seats are an optional extra.RegisterIn everyday English, people often say that you don’t have to do something rather than say it is optional: Ties are optional. ➔ You don’t have to wear a tie.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Attendance at the meeting is optional.
- General Studies is optional for sixth-form students.
- The holiday price includes entertainment in the evenings, and there are optional excursions on offer every day.
- You don't have to do French - it's optional.
- All freshmen who attend optional orientation sessions receive information on date rape.
- At the same time optional accessories, such as cornices, light pelmets and plinths, could also be changed.
- If they wish, students can do an optional dissertation, and pick up word-processing and other computer skills.
THESAURUSnot compulsory
if something is optional, you can choose whether to do it or not: · You don’t have to do French – it’s optional.· The holiday price includes optional excursions such as an evening cruise on the lake.· General Studies is optional for sixth-form students.
done because you want to do it and not because you have to – used especially about things that you do because you think they will help other people or be useful: · The programme is entirely voluntary, and no one will be forced to join.· The charity is funded by voluntary donations.
Longman Language Activatorwhen you do not have to do something if you do not have to do something, you can do it if you want, but you are not forced to do it, either by a rule or by another person, or by the situation you are in: · Paola was fortunate in that she came from a wealthy family and didn't have to work.· You don't have to go if you don't want to.
spoken say this to tell someone that it is not necessary for them to do something: · There's no need to do the dishes - I'll do them in the morning.there's no need for somebody to do something: · There's no need for you to bring any food - it's all being provided.
if something is unnecessary or not necessary , it is not needed or there is no good reason for you to do it: · They want to build another shopping mall here, but we think it's completely unnecessary.it is unnecessary/not necessary to do something: · It's not necessary to wash your hair every day.
to not have to do something, because it is not necessary: · You don't need to tell Sandy - she already knows.· You needn't come with me - I can find my own way to the station.· Marian was one of those lucky students who didn't need to work hard to do well.
to not have to do something if you do not want to, especially in a situation where you might feel that you have to because other people will be upset or disappointed if you do not: · The firm is under no obligation to offer you a job.not be under any obligation to do something: · You are not under any obligation to buy anything.
if something is optional , you do not have to do it or use it but you can if you want to: · You don't have to do French - it's optional.· The holiday price includes entertainment in the evenings, and there are optional excursions on offer every day.optional for: · General Studies is optional for sixth-form students.
a voluntary activity is one that you do because you want to do it, especially because you believe it is useful or will help other people, and not because you have to: · The council is trying to get more young people involved in doing voluntary work.· We get all our money from voluntary contributions.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Tinted windows and a sunroof are optional extras (=something that you can choose to have or not).COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
British English Leather seats are an optional extra.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Leather seats are an optional extra. Tinted windows and a sunroof are optional extras (=something that you can choose to have or not).· Most of the systems offer optional extras.· Theories are not optional extras in science.· Cruising chutes and Windsurfers are available as optional extras on some yachts.· Made to measure in glass fibre with toughened glass roof and sides, optional extras include ventilation and double glazing.
WORD FAMILYverboptcooptnounoptionadjectiveoptionaladverboptionally
if something is optional, you do not have to do it or use it, but you can choose to if you want to OPP compulsory: three optional courses The other excursions are optional.optional extra British English Leather seats are an optional extra.RegisterIn everyday English, people often say that you don’t have to do something rather than say it is optional: Ties are optional. ➔ You don’t have to wear a tie.