options
English meaning: Options
Definition
One of a set of choices that can be made.
Example
“You have several options for getting to the airport.”
Another example: “As part of her pay, she was granted share options in the company.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'option'; choices available to be selected ('your options'), or, in finance, contracts giving the right to buy or sell ('stock options'). Common in everyday decision-making, software menus and finance. Neutral register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From French 'option', from Latin 'optio' (free choice, will), from 'optare' (to choose, wish); entered English in the 17th century.
Synonyms
- choices
- alternatives
- possibilities
- selections
- preferences
- picks
Related Words
Common Collocations
- available options
- stock options
- keep your options open
- weigh the options
- menu options
- viable options
Word Forms
option (n, sing.); options (pl.); optional (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B