option

[ op-shuhn ]

noun

1. the power or right of choosing.
2. something that may be or is chosen; choice.

   Synonyms: election, selection

3. the act of choosing.

   Synonyms: election, selection

4. an item of equipment or a feature that may be chosen as an addition to or replacement for standard equipment and features:

   a car with a long list of extra-cost options;

   a telephoto lens option for a camera.

5. stock option.
6. a privilege acquired, as by the payment of a premium or consideration, of demanding, within a specified time, the carrying out of a transaction upon stipulated terms; the right, as granted in a contract or by an initial payment, of acquiring something in the future:

   We bought one lot and took a 90-day option on an adjoining one.

7. Football. a play in which a back has a choice of either passing or running with the ball.

verb (used with object)

1. to acquire or grant an option on:

   The studio has optioned his latest novel for film adaptation.

2. to provide with optional equipment:

   The car can be fully optioned at additional cost.

option

/ ˈɒpʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of choosing or deciding
2. the power or liberty to choose
3. an exclusive opportunity, usually for a limited period, to buy something at a future date

   he has a six-month option on the Canadian rights to this book

4. commerce the right to buy ( call option ) or sell ( put option ) a fixed quantity of a commodity, security, foreign exchange, etc, at a fixed price at a specified date in the future See also traded option
5. something chosen; choice
6. short for local option
7. keep one's options open or leave one's options open
   not to commit oneself
8. See soft option

verb

1. tr to obtain or grant an option on

Other Words From

• option·a·ble adjective
• pre·option noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of option¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin optiōn-, stem of optiō “choice,” equivalent to op(tāre) “to select” ( opt ) + -tiō -tion

Word History and Origins

Origin of option¹

C17: from Latin optiō free choice, from optāre to choose

Synonym Study

See choice.

Example Sentences

It will attempt to convince you that it is your only option.

From Los Angeles Times

With more than half the women in jail serving sentences of six months or less, Gauke said reducing the female prison population was also an option to free up space.

From BBC

She was offered the option of finding a bed in a mother and baby unit but turned it down, which Faye feels was a warning sign.

From BBC

The change comes about 10 months after Prime Video launched a lower-cost option for subscribers that included advertisements.

From Los Angeles Times

We’re kind of famous for our Shift Drink, a non-alcoholic option that sells almost as much as our regular cocktails.

From Salon

Related Words

• benefit
• choice
• opportunity
• preference
• privilege
• right