opt for
to choose
In more detail
to choose something in preference to other options; to decide to do or have something instead of something else
Examples
- Many families opt for hybrid cars because they use less fuel.
- She opted for the vegetarian menu at the restaurant.
How to use opt for
Opt for means to make a deliberate choice between alternatives, often implying preference for one thing over others. It is slightly more formal than 'choose' or 'go for' and frequently appears in written English and formal discussions. The phrase emphasizes the act of selection from available possibilities.
Common phrases
- opt for a career
- opt for quality over quantity
- opt out of
- opt for simplicity
- opt for the safer option
Synonyms
choose · select · go for · pick · decide on
Opposites
reject · decline
Word family
opt · option · optional
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'opt for' with 'opt in' or 'opt out'; opt for means to choose something specific, while opt out means to decline participation.
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