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to opt out

to opt out

50 3.5
To choose not to take part in something
  • phrasal verb
  • /ɑpt aʊt/
translation icon : no participar
  • I think I'm going to opt out.
  • choose to opt out
  • right to opt out
  • opt out procedures

And it's a, you can opt out, just don't use it.

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Examples

  • The decision to opt out normally requires some form of written notice.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Three border states in the region opted out of the program.

    Academic text (2000)
  • And as a result, we we often opt out, give up and back down.

  • I could have been, but I opted out.

  • What if you wanted to opt out?

  • In addition, either party may opt out of either procedure at any time.

    Academic text (1995)
  • We can no more opt out of this struggle than we can opt out of the climate changing around us.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Can students opt out of testing and still be eligible for intervention programming?

    Academic text (2013)
  • Currently, individuals have a right to opt out if they don't wish to participate in a class action.

    Academic text (2007)
  • If you would like to stop receiving emails, you can opt out of the list anytime.

Synonyms

to leave
vsto opt out
1.0

To go away from a place, person, or group

is choosing not to participate while not always implying physical leaving
to withdraw
vsto opt out
466 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

is a clear decision not to participate rather than gradual disengagement
to drop out
vsto opt out
214 3.0

To leave a course, competition or group before finishing

is a choice not to join that applies beyond long term commitments
to pull out
vsto opt out
206 3.4

To stop being involved in an activity or agreement

can be the same choice but also includes temporary nonparticipation
to pull out of
vsto opt out
79 3.2

Leave an activity or agreement you had joined

is the initial choice to not take part rather than breaking a promise
to stay out of it
vsto opt out
56 3.8

To avoid getting involved in an argument or fight

is a broad choice to not participate in any activity or system
to forego
vsto opt out
24 6.3

To choose not to have or do something

is specifically about refusing involvement rather than giving something up
to eschew
vsto opt out
  • Formal
23 8.9

To avoid something on purpose

is a direct choice not to join, not necessarily principled avoidance
to abstain
vsto opt out
18 5.0

To choose not to take something, often for health or religious reasons

is a general nonparticipation decision not limited to consumption or health
to unsubscribe
vsto opt out
  • Texting
12 3.7

To stop receiving emails or messages you signed up for

is the general decision not to take part, not limited to subscriptions
to sit out
vsto opt out
11 3.3

Not take part in an activity, often because someone is hurt or chooses not to

is a broader choice to avoid participation permanently or temporarily
to cop out
vsto opt out
  • Informal
5 7.8

Avoid a task you should do by making an excuse

is a neutral decision not to join, without implying shirking duty
2 3.7

To stop taking part in an agreement you already agreed to

is the choice not to participate before or without a formal agreement
to drop the course
vsto opt out
  • US
1 3.0

Officially stop attending a class before it ends

is a general decision not to participate, not limited to classes
to disaffiliate
vsto opt out
  • Formal
1 7.5

To stop being a member of a group or organization

is a simpler decision to avoid joining, not only formal separation
to give a miss
vsto opt out
  • UK
7.3

Decide not to go to an event or activity

is a general decision to not participate, formal or informal
to unenroll
vsto opt out
  • US
4.8

To remove yourself or someone else from a course

is choosing not to take part, not necessarily through formal removal
to unsub
vsto opt out
  • Texting
7.4

To cancel a subscription to stop receiving messages or updates

is a general nonparticipation decision that applies across many contexts

Antonyms

1.0

Become a member of a group or take part in its activities

How Involved

to engage
676 3.4
to participate
866 2.5
to withdraw
466 2.8
to boycott
72 4.2
to opt out
50 3.5
to decline
272 3.4

Surface Forms

opt out infinitive
opted out past
opted out past participle
opting out present participle
opts out third person singular

Morphology

opt + out

The meaning 'to choose not to participate' is directly derived from combining 'opt' (to select or choose) with the particle 'out' (to be excluded or withdrawn), so the notion of choosing to be 'out' is compositional. This verb+particle pattern where 'out' signals withdrawal is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Opt out comes from the simple picture of a person using a choice (opt) to step out of a group or plan. That's why opt out means 'to choose not to participate'.