Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

option

/ˈɑpʃən/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.80 in modern English

Syllables
op-tion
IPA
/ˈɑpʃən/
8
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

One of a set of choices that can be made.

noun

The freedom or right to choose.

verb

To purchase an option on something.

verb

To configure, by setting an option.

Dated

Example Sentences

Etymology

From French option, from Latin optiō (“choice; option; act of choosing”), from optō (“to choose, select”). Equivalent to opt + -ion.

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: option, optiō

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈɑpʃən/
  • British English: /ˈɒpʃən/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce option?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɑpʃən/.
What does option mean?
One of a set of choices that can be made.
Where does option come from?
It is traced to French.

How to pronounce option

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “option”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈɑpʃən/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “option”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “option” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.