elective
Elective (adjective) means Chosen voluntarily rather than required. Example: “Cosmetic surgery is usually elective, not medically necessary.”
How to use elective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOptional rather than mandatory — often used for school subjects or medical procedures.
Word forms
more elective comparative, electives plural, most elective superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cosmetic surgery is usually _____, not medically necessary.
Etymology
Formed from elect plus the suffix -ive.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for elective
See all rhymes for 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.