Opt vs. Option — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 27, 2024
Opt signifies the act of making a choice, while option refers to one of the choices available.
Difference Between Opt and Option
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Opt is a verb that means to make a choice or decide on one possibility among several. It involves the action of choosing and is used when someone is selecting between different alternatives or preferences. On the other hand, option is a noun that represents the choices or alternatives that are available to someone. While opt is about the act of selecting, option is about the possibilities that can be selected. This distinction highlights opt as a process or action and option as the subjects or entities involved in this process.
Opt is often used in contexts where the focus is on the decision-making process itself. It implies an active decision by an individual or group to choose one thing over another. For instance, one might opt for a certain path in life, a specific item on a menu, or a particular strategy in a game. In contrast, option is used when discussing what is available to be chosen. It points to the various paths, items, strategies, or any other possibilities from which a selection can be made. This difference underscores the relationship between action (opt) and possibility (option).
When someone opts for something, it conveys a sense of decision and preference, indicating that the choice was made after considering the available options. The emphasis is on the selection process and the active role of the chooser. Whereas when discussing options, the emphasis is on the range of possibilities or alternatives available, without necessarily indicating a choice has been made. Options can exist without any decisions being made, but opting requires that there are options to choose from.
The usage of opt and option also varies grammatically. Opt, as a verb, is used with an object that often follows prepositions like "for" or "to," illustrating the choice being made. Option, being a noun, can serve as the subject or object of a sentence, often followed by descriptions of what those options entail. This grammatical distinction further separates the act of choosing from the things being chosen among.
Opt and option serve complementary roles in the context of decision-making. Opt emphasizes the action of choosing among various alternatives, reflecting a dynamic process. In contrast, option focuses on the alternatives themselves, representing the static possibilities from which one can choose. Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial for accurately conveying discussions about choices and decisions.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Meaning
To make a choice among options
A choice or possibility available
Usage Context
Focuses on the decision-making process
Discusses the available alternatives
Example
"She opted for the vegetarian meal."
"The vegetarian meal is one option."
Emphasis
On the act of choosing
On the choices available
Compare with Definitions
Opt
To make a choice from a range of possibilities.
He opted to stay home instead of going out.
Option
A choice or alternative available.
Traveling by train is an option.
Opt
To choose not to participate.
They opted out of the agreement.
Option
A financial instrument granting the right to buy or sell.
He bought options in the company.
Opt
To decide on a course of action.
After much thought, she opted for early retirement.
Option
A feature available in a computer program or system.
You can change the font size in the options menu.
Opt
To express preference in decision-making.
Given the options, he opted to invest in stocks.
Option
One of several things that can be chosen.
The menu offers several vegetarian options.
Opt
To select an alternative.
We opted for the cheaper model to save money.
Option
A thing that is or may be chosen
Choose the cheapest options for supplying energy
Opt
To make a choice or decision
Opted for early retirement.
Opted not to go.
Option
Buy or sell an option on
His second script will have been optioned by the time you read this
Opt
(intransitive) To choose; select.
He opted not to go.
She opted for the salad rather than the steak.
They opted against taking the train, preferring the bus.
Option
The act of choosing; choice
Her option was to quit school and start her own business.
Opt
Select as an alternative; choose instead; prefer as an alternative;
I always choose the fish over the meat courses in this restaurant
She opted for the job on the East coast
Option
The power or freedom to choose
We have the option of driving or taking the train.
Option
The right, usually obtained for a fee, to buy or sell an asset within a specified time at a set price.
Option
A contract or financial instrument granting such a right
A stock option.
Option
The right to make a movie adaptation of a literary work or play
A movie studio that purchased an option on a book.
Option
(Baseball) The right of a major-league team to transfer a player to a minor-league team while being able to recall the player within a specified period.
Option
Something chosen or available as a choice.
Option
An item or feature that may be chosen to replace or enhance standard equipment, as in a car.
Option
(Football) An offensive play in which a back, usually the quarterback, decides during the play whether to run with the ball, throw a pass, or make a lateral, depending on the actions of the defense.
Option
To acquire or grant an option on
"had optioned for a film several short stories about two policemen" (Barbara Goldsmith).
Option
(Baseball) To transfer (a major-league player) to a minor-league club on option.
Option
One of a set of choices that can be made.
Option
The freedom or right to choose.
Option
A contract giving the holder the right to buy or sell an asset at a set strike price; can apply to financial market transactions, or to ordinary transactions for tangible assets such as a residence or automobile.
Option
The acquiring or retention of a nationality through personal choice as a right, bypassing selective legal mechanisms for naturalization, especially in cases where a territory is transferred or passed on from one state to another.
Option
To purchase an option on something.
The new novel was optioned by the film studio, but they'll probably never decide to make a movie from it.
Option
To configure, by setting an option.
Option
The power of choosing; the right of choice or election; an alternative.
There is an option left to the United States of America, whether they will be respectable and prosperous, or contemptible and miserable, as a nation.
Option
The exercise of the power of choice; choice.
Transplantation must proceed from the option of the people, else it sounds like an exile.
Option
A wishing; a wish.
Option
A right formerly belonging to an archbishop to select any one dignity or benefice in the gift of a suffragan bishop consecrated or confirmed by him, for bestowal by himself when next vacant; - annulled by Parliament in 1845.
Option
A stipulated privilege, given to a party in a time contract, of demanding its fulfillment on any day within a specified limit; also, the contract giving that privelege; as, an option to buy a stock at a given price; to exercise an option.
Option
The right to buy or sell property at an agreed price; the right is purchased and if it is not exercised by a stated date the money is forfeited
Option
One of a number of things from which only one can be chosen;
What option did I have?
There no other alternative
My only choice is to refuse
Option
The act of choosing or selecting;
Your choice of colors was unfortunate
You can take your pick
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to "opt"?
To opt means to make a decision or choose one possibility from among several.
What is an "option"?
An option is one of the choices or alternatives that are available in a particular situation.
Can "opt" be used without specifying what is chosen?
Generally, when using "opt," the choice is either stated or implied by context.
How do "option" and "choice" differ?
"Option" refers to any of the possible choices available, while "choice" often refers to the selection made from these options.
Do all decisions involve options?
Yes, making a decision typically involves choosing between two or more options.
Is it correct to say "opt an option"?
While grammatically possible, it's redundant. It's clearer to say "opt for" or simply "choose" an option.
Are options always about physical choices?
No, options can also refer to abstract choices, such as ways of thinking or approaches to a problem.
Can "option" refer to something compulsory?
Typically, "option" implies a choice, so it wouldn't be used to refer to compulsory actions or decisions.
How does "opt out" differ from "opt in"?
"Opt out" means to choose not to participate in something, while "opt in" means to choose to participate.
Can "opt" imply a choice made with reluctance?
Yes, "opt" can imply a choice made with reluctance, especially if the alternatives are not ideal.
Can there be options without opting?
Yes, options can exist without any decisions being made. Opting requires that there are options to choose from.
Is "option" used only in positive contexts?
No, "option" can be used in any context where choices are available, regardless of their desirability.
Does "opting" always result in a change?
Opting usually results in a change, either in action, status, or preference, based on the decision made.
How do "opt" and "option" relate in decision-making?
"Opt" relates to the action of choosing, while "option" relates to what is being chosen from.
How specific does an "option" need to be?
An "option" can vary in specificity, from very broad alternatives to very detailed and specific choices.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
