What Does “Opt” Mean

“Opt” means to choose or decide to do something. It is often used when someone has several options and picks one of them.

In everyday English, people use opt when talking about a choice they make. For example, you can opt for tea instead of coffee, or opt to stay home instead of going out. It sounds a little more formal than just saying “choose,” but it is very common in writing and speech.

Meaning & Usage

“Opt” is usually followed by for or to. You can opt for something, or opt to do something. Both mean making a choice.

Examples

She opted for the blue dress.
They opted to take the train.
I’d rather opt for the cheaper plan.

What does “opt for” mean?

“Opt for” means to choose one thing from a group of options.

What does “opt to” mean?

“Opt to” means to decide to do something.

Is “opt” formal?

It is a little more formal than “choose,” but people use it often in everyday English.