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electively

electively

6.5
In a way that is chosen and not required
  • adverb
  • /ɪˈlɛktɪvli/
translation icon : opcionalmente
  • The patient chose to have the procedure electively rather than wait for a medical emergency.

Examples

  • Some students take extra courses electively to explore new interests.

  • The company allowed employees to work from home electively during the summer months.

  • The patient chose to have the procedure electively rather than wait for a medical emergency.

  • You can choose to work electively on this project.

  • Students can electively select their courses each semester.

  • Some students take extra courses electively to explore new interests.

  • The company allowed employees to work from home electively during the summer months.

Synonyms

voluntarily
vselectively
165 3.4

You do something by choice, not because someone forces you

emphasizes being optional and not required rather than just free will
optionally
vselectively
3 3.5

In a way you can choose but do not have to

is chosen deliberately and implies non urgency

Surface Forms

electively positive

Morphology

electively = elective (transparent) = elect + ive + ly

Clear derivation from 'elective' (meaning 'optional') + '-ly' yielding 'in an optional/choosing manner'.

Etymology

Electively comes from the Latin root eligere, meaning 'to choose'. That's why electively can mean 'by choice' or 'optional', like when you pick an elective class at school.