Noncompulsory

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Not mandated by law or authority, allowing individuals to choose participation freely
2. Characterized by the absence of obligation, permitting personal decision in involvement without coercion
3. Allowed or permitted but not demanded or enforced by any rule or authority

Etymology: "Noncompulsory" is simply "non-" attached to "compulsory," so its history is that of its parts. "Non-" is the Latin negating prefix, found in English words such as "nonfiction" and "nonsense," and it has been used freely to form negative adjectives for centuries. "Compulsory" comes from the Late Latin "compulsorius," meaning compelling or forcing, built from the Latin verb "compellere," to drive together or force. That verb sits behind a whole family of English words about pressure and constraint, such as "compel" and "compulsion." Put together, the adjective describes something that is not forced or required, which is exactly the sense of being open to choice. It is a plain formation with no single coiner or famous first use to point to, so its meaning follows directly from the two parts.

Synonyms: optional, voluntary

Antonyms: mandatory, compulsory