option
gb/ˈɑpʃən/ us/ˈɑpʃən/
A2
English
~ 1100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
A possible choice or alternative
Something you can choose from several possibilities.
Usage pattern:
to have [an/the] option to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'option' with 'opportunity'; 'opportunity' means a chance to do something, not just a choice between things.
Synonyms
choice (General term for selecting from possibilities; 'option' often implies a formal or defined set.)
|
alternative (Emphasizes one of two or more possibilities, often mutually exclusive.)
Antonyms
obligation (Implies something you must do, with no choice available.)
Collocations
have the option
|give the option
|consider options
|limited options
|best option
Themes
decision-making
|daily life
|business
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- You have the option to take the early flight or the late one.
- We offer several payment options for your convenience.
- Going by train is a good option if you want to avoid traffic.
- The menu has vegetarian and vegan options.
- He considered all his options before making a decision.
Learner examples
- You have the option to walk or take the bus.
- There are many options on the menu.
- This is the best option for us.
- I have two options: work or rest.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
Right to buy or sell an asset
A special financial agreement giving you the right to buy or sell something at a set price before a certain date.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with everyday 'option' meaning 'choice'; in finance it is a specific type of contract.
Synonyms
warrant (A type of long-term option, though not identical in structure.)
Collocations
call option
|put option
|stock options
|exercise an option
Themes
finance
|business
Examples
- She bought call options on the company's stock.
- His compensation includes stock options that vest over four years.
- Investors often use options to hedge against price changes.
Learner examples
- He has stock options from his job.
- She bought an option to buy the house later.
- The company gave him options as part of his pay.
Grammar
Dictionary form
option
IPA
GB/ˈɑpʃən/
US/ˈɑpʃən/
Syllables & stress
op - tion (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (op)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: option
- Plural: option, options
Word family
Expressions
keep your options open
1/kˈip jˈʊɹ ˈɑpʃənz ˈoʊpən/
idiom
Delay decision to keep choices
To wait before making a decision so you can still choose from different things later.
Examples
- I haven’t committed to any job yet because I want to keep my options open.
- She decided not to buy the first apartment she saw to keep her options open.
leave someone with no option
1/lˈiv sˈʌmwˌʌn wˈɪθ nˈoʊ ˈɑpʃən/
fixed phrase
Force someone into one choice
To make someone have only one thing they can do.
Examples
- The sudden storm left us with no option but to cancel the trip.
- His refusal left me with no option except to go alone.
the only option
1/ðə ˈoʊnli ˈɑpʃən/
fixed phrase
Single possible choice available
The one thing you can choose when there are no other choices.
Examples
- Walking was the only option after the car broke down.
- If we miss the flight, staying overnight will be the only option.