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optional

Etymology and origin of the English word optional

History Permalink
Confidence
Established
Formation
Derivation
First attested
1765

Pronunciation

  • IPA: UK /ˈɒp.ʃən.əl/, US /ˈɑːp.ʃən.əl/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from option and -al.[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

Leaving something to choice, as an optional clause: 1765.[3][2][4]

Semantic evolution

A matter of choice, not compulsory, is from 1792 in the OED.[3] Optionally is from 1846,[3] and the noun, an optional subject of study, from 1855.[3]

Timeline

  • 1765 – leaving something to choice.[3]
  • 1792 – a matter of choice.[3]
  • 1846 – optionally.[3]
  • 1855 – an optional (noun).[3]

Modern meaning

Adjective

  1. Left to choice; not compulsory.

Word family

  • optionally
  • optionality
  • unoptional

References

  1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  2. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
  4. ^ Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
Cite this entry

“Optional.” Etymologically, 17 Oct. 2026, etymologically.com/en/optional. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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