facultatively
- adverb
- /fæˈkʌltəˌtively/
- Specialized
:
opcionalmente
- Certain plants can facultatively survive in both dry and wet environments.
Examples
-
As the fungi invade, facultatively and then obligately mycorrhizal plants are expected to succeed (Janos 1980b).
Academic text (2001) -
Cannibals are induced facultatively by high densities of conspecifics.
Academic text (1997) -
We can address this issue by applying Hamilton's rule to determine whether individuals facultatively adjust their behavior in ways that enhance their inclusive fitness.
Academic text (1997) -
Many animals facultatively adapt their behaviors to suit seasonal changes in food availability.
-
Some microorganisms facultatively utilize oxygen for respiration depending on environmental conditions.
Synonyms
3
3.5
In a way you can choose but do not have to
How Optional
165
3.4
3
3.5
- Specialized
23
5.5
- Formal
1
6.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
facultatively = facultative (semi-transparent) = facultative + ly
Forming an adverb with the productive suffix '-ly' from the adjective 'facultative' is a straightforward and regular derivation.
Etymology
Facultatively comes from the Latin word facultas, meaning 'ability' or 'opportunity', and it shares the same root as the English word faculty. So, to do something facultatively is to do it by 'choice' or when you can, not because you must, which is why we say some organisms live facultatively in different conditions.