Reading Theme:
Option: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：choice (option)
option
/ˈɑːp.ʃən/
n.
The right or freedom to choose what you want to do.
choice
➕
/tʃɔɪs/
n.
The power or liberty to select between different possibilities.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'optio', meaning 'choice, free choice, power of choosing'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of OPTing-IN to something. An OPTION is what you OPT for.
📖 Example
When ordering pizza, option is key - you can pick your favorite toppings or choose a different crust.
Having a choice is crucial when ordering pizza - you can select your preferred toppings or a different type of crust.
🔗 Collocations
have the option to – to possess the freedom or ability to choose to do something
exercise an option – to make use of one's right to choose
leave one's options open – to avoid making a final decision so that other choices remain available
🔄 Synonyms
choice (n.) – An act of selecting between two or more possibilities.
alternative (n.) – One of two or more available possibilities.
selection (n.) – The action or fact of carefully choosing someone or something as being the best or most suitable.
🚫 Antonyms
obligation (n.) – An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.
compulsion (n.) – The action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint.
🌱 Derivatives
optional (adj.) – Available to be chosen but not obligatory.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'option' entered English in the 16th century via French from Latin 'optio', which in military contexts meant the 'right to choose' a subordinate officer or a special duty. Its core sense of 'choice' has remained central in law, finance, and daily life, reflecting the value placed on individual freedom to select.
Meaning 2：available choice (option)
option
/ˈɑːp.ʃən/
n.
One of the specific things you can pick from a list.
available choice
➕
/əˈveɪləbəl tʃɔɪs/
n.
One specific item or possibility that can be selected from a set or list.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My phone has a dark mode option in the settings that makes it easier to read at night.
My phone includes a dark mode choice within the settings menu, which improves readability in low-light conditions.
🔗 Collocations
available option – a choice that is possible or obtainable
menu option – a specific choice listed on a menu, either digital or physical
default option – the choice that is automatically selected if no other is specified
🔄 Synonyms
selection (n.) – A range of things from which a choice can be made, or a specific item chosen.
alternative (n.) – One of the things, propositions, or courses of action that can be chosen.
possibility (n.) – A thing that may be chosen or done out of several available alternatives.
🚫 Antonyms
requirement (n.) – A thing that is compulsory; a necessary condition.
Wordbook
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