electively

Electively is an adverb formed from the adjective elective. It describes actions performed by choice or preference rather than due to necessity, constraint, or obligation. In common usage, something done electively is optional or chosen rather than compelled by circumstance.

Etymology: elective derives from Latin electus 'chosen,' via Old French and Middle English. The suffix -ly creates the adverb electively, used to modify verbs and indicate manner of action.

Contexts and examples: In medicine, elective surgery refers to planned, non-urgent procedures; patients decide to proceed and may schedule it in advance, as opposed to emergency operations. In education, elective courses are optional subjects chosen by students; a course offered to be taken electively is not required for the degree. In broader decision-making, actions described as electively undertaken emphasize deliberate choice among alternatives rather than coercion.

Usage notes: electively is somewhat specialized; in everyday writing, 'voluntarily' or 'by choice' can convey the intent more clearly when not tied to a formal category such as 'elective surgery' or 'elective course.' In medical contexts, however, electively is standard terminology to distinguish planned procedures from urgent ones. Related terms include elective (as adjective) and voluntariness.