adjective
elective
ih-LEHK-tihv
adjective
1
Chosen voluntarily rather than required.
"Cosmetic surgery is usually elective, not medically necessary."
"She took an elective course in photography."
noun
1
An optional course of study, especially at school or university.
"He picked pottery as his elective this semester."
How to Use Elective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOptional rather than mandatory — often used for school subjects or medical procedures.
Common pairings
elective surgery
take an elective
elective course
Word Forms
more elective comparative, electives plural, most elective superlative
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Cosmetic surgery is usually _____, not medically necessary.
Etymology
Formed from elect plus the suffix -ive.