# optionally

**Pronunciation:** /ˈɒpʃənəli/ · OP-shun-uh-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that is available as a choice or possibility; not required.

## Examples

- You can include your phone number optionally on the form.
- The software can be installed with or without the additional features, depending on your needs.
- Guests can optionally upgrade to a sea-view room for an extra charge.

## Synonyms

- optionally — Available as a choice, not required.
- discretionarily — At one's own choice or discretion.
- voluntarily — Done by one's own free will.
- as an option — Presented as a possible choice.

## Antonyms

- mandatorily — Required by law or rules; compulsory.
- compulsorily — In a way that is required by law or authority.
- necessarily — In a way that cannot be avoided or prevented; inevitably.

## Common patterns

- optionally include — To add something as a choice, not as a requirement. — You can optionally include your phone number on the application.
- optionally add — To attach or insert something as an available choice. — Customers can optionally add gift-wrapping to their order.
- optionally available — Something that can be chosen or obtained, but is not mandatory. — The premium version is optionally available with advanced features.

## Collocations

- optionally include — You can optionally include your email address on the form.
- optionally add — You can optionally add a personal message to the gift.
- optionally available — This feature is optionally available for an additional fee.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/optionally

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