Elective — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /i-ˈlek-tiv/ elec·tive

Meaning & Definition of Elective

Elective (adjective)

  1. chosen or filled by popular election
  2. of or relating to election
  3. based on the right or principle of election

Elective (noun)

  1. an elective course or subject

Elective (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. subject to one's freedom of choice

    "a plastic surgeon who mainly does face-lifting and other kinds of elective surgery"

    similar: discretionary, optional, voluntary
    related: alternate, alternative, chosen, dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted
    opposite: compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required
    near: essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite

Elective (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in refresher

    similar: refresher, class, course, clinic, institute, seminar, survey course, minicourse, core, curriculum

  2. as in option

    similar: option, favorite, like, liking, preference, appointment, designation, nomination, bet, choice, chosen, pick, selection, appointee, candidate, nominee, selectee, preselection

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Elective

The most common words with a similar meaning to Elective:

discretionary, optional, voluntary, refresher, class, course, clinic, institute, seminar, survey course, minicourse, core, curriculum, option, favorite, like, liking, preference, appointment, designation, nomination, bet, choice, chosen, pick, selection, appointee, candidate, nominee, selectee, preselection

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Elective

Words with the opposite meaning of Elective:

compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required

Related Words for Elective

alternate, alternative, dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted

Near Antonyms of Elective

essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite

Word Forms of Elective

Derived words: electively (adverb), electiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Elective

First known use: circa 1531

Frequently Asked Questions about Elective

What does "Elective" mean?

"Elective" means chosen or filled by popular election. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: chosen or filled by popular election. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Elective"?

Other words for "Elective" include discretionary, optional, voluntary, refresher, class, course, clinic and institute. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Elective" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Elective"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Elective". Common alternatives include discretionary, optional, voluntary, refresher, class, course, clinic, institute, seminar and survey course.

What is the opposite of "Elective"?

Antonyms of "Elective" include compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory and required. Near antonyms include essential, indispensable, necessary and requisite.

How do you use "Elective" in a sentence?

Examples of "Elective" in a sentence: "a plastic surgeon who mainly does face-lifting and other kinds of elective surgery".

Is "Elective" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Elective" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Elective"?

"Elective" is pronounced /i-ˈlek-tiv/ and divided into syllables as elec·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Elective"?

First known use: circa 1531.