Optional
/ΛΙp.ΚΙn.Ιl/noun
Available to be chosen but not obligatory.
Did you know?The word 'optional' traces back to a time when choices were often left to the whims of fate, connected to the Latin 'optio', meaning 'choice' or 'free will'.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
optio
βchoice, selection, or a way to choose.β
Late Latin
Late Latin
optio
βthe act of choosing or selecting.β
Old French
Old French
opcion
βthe power or right to choose.β
14th Century
Middle English
option
βthe freedom or power to make a choice.β
19th Century
English
optional
βpertaining to an option; not compulsory.β