op ‧ tion ‧ al AC /ˈɒpʃ ə nəl $ ˈɑːp-/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ opt , ↑ coopt ; noun : ↑ option ; adverb : optionally; adjective : ↑ optional ]
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.
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In 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.
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THESAURUS
■ not compulsory
▪ optional if something is optional, you can choose whether to do it or not:
You don’t have to do French – it’s optional.
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The holiday price includes optional excursions such as an evening cruise on the lake.
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General Studies is optional for sixth-form students.
▪ voluntary 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.
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The charity is funded by voluntary donations.