opt
Greektwo sources sharing one spelling: (1) Greek 'see, sight, vision'; (2) Latin 'choose, wish'
About This Root
opt- has two unrelated origins that happen to be spelled alike. The Greek optos/optikos ('seen, of sight,' from opsis 'view') gives optic, optical, optics, optometrist, and synoptic. The Latin optāre ('to choose, to wish') gives option, optional, and adopt(ion). Same letters, two completely different ideas — sight vs choice.
Associated Words · 8
option
a choice from a set; the freedom to choose
adoption
Legally taking a child as one's own; accepting or taking up something new
optical
Relating to sight, vision, or optics
optional
Not required; left to personal choice
optic
Relating to the eye or vision; an eye or optical lens
optometrist
A professional who tests eyes and prescribes corrective lenses
synoptic
Giving a general overview or summary
optics
The branch of physics studying light and vision