Dictionary
1elective
adjective elec·tive \i-ˈlek-tiv\
Definition of ELECTIVE
1
a : chosen or filled by popular election <an elective official> b : of or relating to election c : based on the right or principle of election <the presidency is an elective office>
2
a : permitting a choice : optional <an elective course in school> b : beneficial to the patient but not essential for survival <elective surgery>
3
a : tending to operate on one substance rather than another <elective absorption> b : favorably inclined to one more than to another : sympathetic <an elective affinity>
— elec·tive·ly adverb
— elec·tive·ness noun
See elective defined for English-language learners
See elective defined for kids
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First Known Use of ELECTIVE
circa 1531
Related to ELECTIVE
- Synonyms
- discretionary, optional, voluntary
- Antonyms
- compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with ELECTIVE
2elective
noun
: a class that is not required in a particular course of study
Full Definition of ELECTIVE
: an elective course or subject
See elective defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ELECTIVE
1850
Other Education Terms
ELECTIVE Defined for Kids
elective
adjective elec·tive \i-ˈlek-tiv\
Definition of ELECTIVE for Kids
: chosen or filled by election <an elective official> <an elective position>
Medical Dictionary
elective
adjective elec·tive \i-ˈlek-tiv\
Medical Definition of ELECTIVE
: beneficial to the patient but not essential for survival <an elective appendectomy>
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