rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -io
Latin

-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -io
  • -ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
  • -ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

253 / 371
noun / verb

option

AHP-shuhn/ˈɑːpʃn/

An available choice or course of action.

Each key on the tray presents a different option for selection.

Three distinct plain house keys lie separately on a small ring tray, with a hand poised above them showing several available choices; no numbers, writing or brands.
Etymology
optLatinchoose, wish, or desire
+ionLatinan action, process, or result

From a verb meaning “to desire or choose,” option first named the act or freedom of choosing. It later came to mean a thing available to be chosen.

In context

Branigan Robertson3:49
option number two is a little bit better here you simply accept the severance offer
How Much is a Good Severance Package?

More examples

  • The menu includes several vegetarian options.
  • Our lease gives us an option to buy the house.
  • The producer optioned the novel for a possible film adaptation.

Forms

option · options · optioned · optioning

optional adjective — Available to choose but not required.

Similar words

choice
Can mean an available possibility or the decision itself.
alternative
Emphasizes a different possibility that can replace another.