Opt
/ɑːpt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo choose something from a set of possibilities; to make a decision.
/ɑːpt/
To make a choice from a range of possibilities.
I opted to stay home and watch a movie instead of going to the party.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at an ice cream shop. Opting means you have choices (like chocolate or vanilla) and you pick the one you want! So, you *opt* for chocolate.
👶 For kids: To choose something.
More Examples
The company offered employees the option to opt for a flexible work schedule.
Consumers can opt out of receiving targeted advertising.
How It's Used
"Employees can opt for either the company health plan or a private plan."
"Users can opt in to receive marketing emails."
To choose to do something.
/ɑːpt/
To take a specific course of action.
Many people opt for a healthy lifestyle.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're deciding what to do this weekend. Opting means you're going to DO something specific. For example, *opt* for a hike!
👶 For kids: To decide to do something.
More Examples
I opted for early retirement instead of continuing to work.
She opted to take a year off before starting college.
How It's Used
"Patients may opt for surgery to treat severe conditions."
"Students often opt to take extra-curricular courses."
Idioms & expressions
opt in
To choose to participate or receive something, especially a service or information.
"You have to opt in to receive these promotional emails."
opt out
To choose not to participate in something or not to receive something.
"You can opt out of the company's 401k plan."
From Latin *optare* meaning 'to choose, wish for'.
Used since the 18th century to mean 'to choose' and 'to wish'. Initially, it had a connotation of wanting something very badly.
Memory tip
Think of OPTing for the best choice.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: optare