optare

Optare is a Latin verb meaning to desire, to choose, or to wish. It is a first-conjugation verb and is typically used with a direct object to indicate what is chosen. The principal parts are optō, optāre, optāvī, optātum. In present tense forms, one would have optō, optās, optat, optāmus, optātis, optant; imperfect forms include optābam, optābās, optābat, optābāmus, optābātis, optābant; perfect forms include optāvī, optāvistī, optāvit, optāvimus, optāvistis, optāvērunt.

Etymology and meaning: optare derives from the Latin stem opt-, related to the idea of choosing or preferring. The sense ranges from “to desire” or “to wish for” to “to choose, elect.” In classical Latin, optāre is transitive and can take a direct object such as aliquid (something) to express the act of choosing that thing.

English derivatives: optare is the source of several English terms, most notably opt and option, which reflect the idea of making a choice. The verb to opt (for/into) means to decide to choose or to select a course of action, while related adjectives and nouns such as optional, optimum, and option derive from the same root.

Usage notes: In Latin texts, optāre appears in a variety of contexts related to desire and selection, from everyday choices to formal election. The verb forms and accompanying cases follow standard Latin syntax for transitive verbs.

See also: opt-, option, optional, optare in Latin literature.