elective
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for elective, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Chosen voluntarily rather than required.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
elective course
facultative
Antonyms
appointive
How to use elective
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
elective surgery
take an elective
elective course
Etymology
Formed from elect plus the suffix -ive.
Full origin of elective →Frequently asked questions
What does “elective” mean?
The word “elective” means chosen voluntarily rather than required. In plain terms, optional rather than mandatory — often used for school subjects or medical procedures.
How do you pronounce “elective”?
“Elective” is pronounced ih-LEHK-tihv (/ɪˈlɛktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “elective” in a sentence?
Here is “elective” used in a sentence: “Cosmetic surgery is usually elective, not medically necessary.”
What part of speech is “elective”?
Depending on how it is used, “elective” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “elective” a common word?
“Elective” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “elective” have?
“Elective” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: chosen voluntarily rather than required.
