opt (in/out/for)
Meaning(s)
1. choose or select, declare a preference
Popularity
High
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
opt-in/out of notifications
Analysis
The verb 'to opt' means to make a choice from a range of possibilities. If you 'opt-in' it means to become a part of something such as a group, subscription, plan or organisation. To 'opt-out' therefore is the opposite, to chose not to participate in something. To 'opt for' something means to choose it. "I opted for the seafood rather than the pasta." You will hear this expression used often in formal contexts where a choice is required to be made. "An opt-out system for organ donation would lead to a huge increase in available organs for transplant."
Social Examples (Advance)
- I tend to opt for the spicy food whenever I go out for dinner.
- New GDPR legislation means that most apps will now ask if you want to opt in to notifications.
- I decided to opt out of the competition. I didn't think I was ready for it.
- The broadband contract had an opt-out clause: we could cancel within 30 days if we weren't happy.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- I opted out of buying stock in electric cars because I don't anticipate the uptake will be as high as some people expect.
- We have opted for flexible working times for our employees because that is what they asked for.
- We were surprised that so many people opted in when we offered a carpool to work scheme.