élective

Élective is the feminine form of the French adjective électif and is used to convey the idea of something chosen, selected, or optional. In French, the masculine form is électif, while the feminine form élective is used before feminine nouns (for example, matière élective, meaning an elective subject). The root comes from Latin electivus, meaning chosen.

In English, elective is an adjective and noun with related meanings. As an adjective, elective describes something that is optional or voluntary rather than required. It is commonly used to indicate choice or discretion, such as an elective course or an elective approach. In medical contexts, elective procedures or surgeries are planned in advance and are not emergencies. In education, electives are courses that students may choose in addition to mandatory requirements, broadening the curriculum beyond core subjects.

Etymology and cognates across languages reflect the same concept of selection or choice, based on the Latin verb eligere, “to choose.” The English term elective, the French électif/élective, and related forms share this lineage, though usage differs by language. In everyday use, only slight nuance separates the French feminine form and the English term, with the primary distinction being language context and agreement with the noun it modifies.

See also: elective course, elective surgery, discretionary, optional, elective affinity (philosophical term describing a chosen relationship).