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Webster 1913 Edition

Elective

E-lect′ive

,
Adj.
[Cf. F.
électif
.]
1.
Exerting the power of choice; selecting;
as, an
elective
act
.
2.
Pertaining to, or consisting in, choice, or right of choosing; electoral.
The independent use of their
elective
franchise.
Bancroft.
3.
Bestowed or passing by election;
as, an
elective
office.
Kings of Rome were at first
elective
; . . . for such are the conditions of an
elective
kingdom.
Dryden.
Elective affinity
or
Elective attraction
(Chem.)
,
a tendency to unite with certain things; chemism.

E-lect′ive

,
Noun.
In an American college, an optional study or course of study; a course that is not required.
[Colloq.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Elective

ELECT'IVE

,
Adj.
Dependent on choice, as an elective monarchy, in which the king is raised to the throne by election; opposed to hereditary.
1.
Bestowed or passing by election; as an office is elective.
2.
Pertaining to or consisting in choice or right of choosing; as elective franchise.
3.
Exerting the power of choice; as an elective act.
4.
Selecting for combination; as elective attraction, which is a tendency in bodies to unite with certain kinds of matter in preference to others.

Definition 2024

elective

elective

See also: élective

English

Adjective

elective ‎(comparative more elective, superlative most elective)

  1. Of, or pertaining to voting or elections
  2. That involves a choice between options; optional or discretionary
    My insurance wouldn't pay for the operation because it was elective surgery.
    • Bancroft
      The independent use of their elective franchise.
    • Dryden
      Kings of Rome were at first elective […]

Translations

Related terms

Noun

elective ‎(plural electives)

  1. Something that is option or that may be elected, especially a course of tertiary study.

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