WordGarden.ioelective
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪlˈɛktɪv/
US
- /ɪˈlɛktɪv/
Meanings
Noun
an optional course or subject chosen by a student
Adjective
optional or chosen rather than required
filled or decided by election
planned in advance and not medically urgent
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're building your perfect school day. Some classes—like math and English—are required, but then there's room for choices! Those optional courses, the ones you get to pick because they interest you? Those are electives.
An elective isn't something you have to do; it's usually a class or activity you choose for yourself. It could be anything from pottery and creative writing to advanced physics or debate club. Think of elections: you "elect" who you want in office, and with electives, you "elect" what you want to study. The word comes from the idea of choosing one thing over another.
The word elective describes something that is optional, not compulsory, and chosen by an individual. It most commonly appears in the context of education, referring to courses students can select from a range of options beyond their core requirements. For example: "She filled her schedule with several art electives alongside her mandatory science classes."
However, "elective" isn't limited to the classroom! It can describe any choice or system based on selection. In politics, an elective monarchy is a system where the ruler is chosen by a group of electors rather than simply inheriting the throne. In the workplace, a company might offer elective benefits—perks like extra vacation days or life insurance upgrades that aren't part of the standard package but can be selected by the employee.
You will also frequently hear this word in a medical context. An "elective surgery" is a procedure that is scheduled in advance because it is not a medical emergency; the patient and doctor choose the best time to perform it.
The key idea behind "elective" is agency. It implies you have the power to select what best suits your interests, health, or lifestyle. Unlike a requirement, which must be fulfilled, an elective represents the power of individual preference and the freedom to choose your own path.
Examples
- 1
Optional subject
At this school, music becomes elective in the final year.
- 2
College course
I took an elective in graphic design and ended up loving it.
- 3
Academic exploration
Many students use their electives to explore subjects outside their major.
- 4
Medical procedure
Because the procedure was elective, the doctor scheduled it for next month.
- Domainan elective procedure
a planned procedure, not an emergency
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Fun classes
She spent her last semester taking a few fun elective classes before graduation.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- noncompulsory
- nonurgent
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- elective course
- elective surgery
- elective procedure
- elective credit
Word family
- electively
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- electivenounadjective
Forms
- electivespluralnounadjective