Vocabulary in context
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Opt
To make a choice or decide on something, often after consideration; to prefer and act on a particular option.
verb💡
Imagine This
Imagine standing at a fork in a path with several signs. You weigh your options, and you opt for the sunny trail that leads to the destination you want.
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Sounds Like
Phonetic: /ɒpt/ (short o, as in 'lot') with a final 't
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Looks Like
option
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Remember This
Opt is commonly used with for, to, or in phrasal forms like opt for, opt to, opt in, and opt out. It conveys a deliberate choice rather than a casual preference.
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Other Forms
optionnoun
optionaladjective
optionallyadverb
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Connect With
choose, select, decide on, pick, elect
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Note
Opt is a verb. It does not mean 'to optimize' (that would be 'optimize' or 'optimize'). Also note the common phrasal forms: opt for, opt to, opt in, and opt out.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- She opted for the red dress over the blue one.
- The committee opted to postpone the meeting until next week.
Synonyms
chooseselectdecide onpreferelect
Antonyms
rejectrefuseforgo
Etymology
From Latin optare 'to choose,' via Old French opter/opter (to choose); related to the noun 'option'.
Mnemonic
OPT stands for One Pick Today: when you opt, you are making one deliberate pick today.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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