Elective
/ɪˈlektɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsA course of study chosen from a range of options, rather than being required.
/ɪˈlektɪv/
A course that a student can choose to take.
I'm taking photography as an elective.
💡 Simply: An elective is like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream in a class! It's a class you get to pick from a bunch of options, not one you *have* to take.
👶 For kids: A class you get to choose to take at school.
More Examples
The school offers a wide variety of electives.
What electives are you planning to take next year?
How It's Used
"She signed up for an art elective this semester."
"Students have several electives to choose from."
Available as a choice or option; not compulsory or required; (of a medical procedure) performed at the patient's or doctor's convenience, not in an emergency.
/ɪˈlektɪv/
Available to be chosen, optional.
She had elective surgery to improve her eyesight.
💡 Simply: Something is elective if you get to decide whether or not to do it. Like choosing what pizza topping you want. Or, for medical terms, it's a planned medical procedure instead of an emergency surgery.
👶 For kids: Something you get to pick or choose.
More Examples
The elective course was well attended.
Participation in the event was elective.
How It's Used
"The elective surgery was scheduled for next week."
"An elective procedure is a non-emergency medical treatment."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
elective office
A position of authority filled by election.
"He ran for elective office."
elective surgery
Surgery that is planned and chosen by the patient or doctor, not an emergency.
"She scheduled elective surgery."
From Latin *ēligere* ('to choose out') + -ive (suffix indicating tendency or capacity). Evolved to refer to choices and options, particularly in education and government.
Used historically to describe choices, particularly within political and educational contexts. Has evolved to include medical procedures.
Memory tip
Think of 'electing' to take a class.
Word Origin
"to choose out, select"