elective
UK/ɪ'lektɪv/US/i'lektiv/
B2
Definitions
adj.
Optional rather than required; chosen by the person, not compulsory.
可选的，选修的（非必修）。
adj.
Of medical treatment: chosen in advance rather than urgently necessary.
（医疗）择期的，非急需的。
adj.
Filled or decided by election.
选举产生的。
n.
An optional course of study.
选修课。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedelect (pick / choose) + -ive (tending to) = 'a matter of choosing.' An elective course is one you choose; elective surgery is one chosen in advance, not forced by emergency. The common thread is free choice rather than obligation.
Root lect still carries 128 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.elective course选修课
- 2.elective surgery择期手术
- 3.elective subject选修科目
Example Sentences
- 1.
I chose photography as my elective this semester.
- 2.
The operation was elective, so she scheduled it for spring.