optar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/okˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To opt
• To choose
• To select

Meaning and Usage

The verb "optar" is used primarily to indicate making a choice or decision among alternatives. It conveys the idea of selecting one option over others. In legal contexts, "optar" can refer to exercising a right or the choice made in legal situations, such as opting for a particular legal procedure or option.

Frequency of Use

"Optar" is relatively common in both spoken and written Spanish, though it may appear more frequently in formal contexts, such as legal documents, academic writing, and official communications.

Example Sentences

1. Los estudiantes pueden optar por diferentes especialidades en la universidad.

2. Students can opt for different majors at the university.

3. Al finalizar el año fiscal, la empresa decidió optar por un nuevo sistema contable.

4. At the end of the fiscal year, the company decided to opt for a new accounting system.

5. Tienes que optar entre viajar o ahorrar dinero para tu futuro.

6. You have to choose between traveling or saving money for your future.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "optar" is not a core part of many idiomatic expressions, it can appear in phrases that imply choice or preference.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Context

1. Cuando se trata de trabajar en grupo, siempre opto por ser el que lidera.

2. When it comes to working in a group, I always choose to be the one who leads.

3. En la vida es importante optar por lo que te haga feliz.

4. In life, it is important to choose what makes you happy.

5. A veces, tienes que optar por el camino menos transitado para alcanzar tus metas.

6. Sometimes, you have to take the less traveled path to achieve your goals.

Etymology

The word "optar" comes from Latin "optāre," which means "to choose" or "to wish." This root reflects its meaning related to choice and selection.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Elegir (to choose)
• Seleccionar (to select)
• Escoger (to pick)

Antonyms

• Rechazar (to reject)
• Descartar (to discard)
• Ignorar (to ignore)