Meaning of option In English

• 0 one thing that can be chosen from a set of possibilities, or the freedom to make a choice:

  • The best option would be to cancel the trip altogether.

  • There are various options open to someone who is willing to work hard.

  • They didn't leave him much option - either he paid or they'd beat him up.

  • UK a share option

  • US a stock option

  • The publishers decided not to take up their option on the paperback version.

  • After her appalling behaviour, we had no option but to dismiss her.

• 1 one thing that can be chosen from a set of possibilities, or the freedom to make a choice:

  • The program helps students explore career options.

  • He decided to exercise an option to break the team’s lease on the stadium.

• 2 one of a number of choices or decisions you can make, or the ability or freedom to choose what you do:

  • You need to think very carefully about the various options.

  • Our options look fairly limited at the moment.

  • have the option of doing sth Insurance policyholders with the company have the option of waiving the excess altogether.

  • have the option to do sth Customers have the option to cancel the contract within 21 days.

  • explore/review/look at the options WTO members are reviewing options for improving market access for the least-developed countries.

  • assess/consider/weigh the options The board will take its time in weighing the available options.

  • not be an option If telecommuting isn't an option, firms can offer their employees more flexible working schedules.

  • have no/little option (but to) In order to compete, we have no option but to cut prices.

• 3 an agreement that can be bought and sold, that gives the owner the right to decide whether to buy or sell shares, bonds, etc. for a fixed price within an agreed time period or on a particular date:

  • share/stock option I took the job because they were offering good health care and stock options.

  • exercise an option (to do sth) We acquired the right to own a 100% interest in the company, and we expect to exercise that option.

  • The phone company could exercise their option to sell part of their stake in Verizon.

  • an option on sth She has options on about 448,000 shares.

• 4 an agreement in which a company buys a product from another company and has the right to buy more of that product later, but does not have to do so:

  • take an option (on/for sth) The airline also said it plans to take options on three of the 777-200 jets.

• 5 something that is added, at extra cost, to a basic product or service to make it more attractive, efficient, etc.:

  • Options such as metallic paint and leather seats increase the price of the car considerably.

• 6 one in a list of possible actions that appears on a computer screen when you click on a button:

  • Click on "File" to see the list of options.

• 7 one of a set of numbered choices that you are given on the phone when you call a company or organization, that allow you to choose which person, department, etc. you want to speak to:

  • Listen carefully and choose from one of the following options.

• 8 to wait before making a decision to make sure that you know all the choices that are available to you:

  • Better offers are becoming available all the time, so you should keep your options open.