optional English · revision 15017

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1765}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈɒp.ʃən.əl/, US /ˈɑːp.ʃən.əl/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[option]] and [[-al]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Leaving something to choice, as an optional clause: 1765.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ A matter of choice, not compulsory, is from 1792 in the OED.^(OED 1989) Optionally is from 1846,^(OED 1989) and the noun, an optional subject of study, from 1855.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1765 – leaving something to choice.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1792 – a matter of choice.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1846 – optionally.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1855 – an optional (noun).^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Left to choice; not [[compulsory]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[optionally]]

+ * [[optionality]]

+ * [[unoptional]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[option]]

+ * [[opt]]

+ * [[adopt]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}