Facultative - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Facultative means optional or discretionary, describing something that is not compulsory. It can also refer to organisms that can adapt to different conditions, such as facultative anaerobes, which survive with or without oxygen.
Definition:
Optional, not compulsory; capable of adapting to different conditions or modes of life.
Synonyms:
optional, discretionary, elective, voluntary
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
obligatory, mandatory, compulsory
Common Collocations:
facultative anaerobe, facultative parasite, facultative adaptation
Derivatives:
facultatively, facultativeness
Usage Tips:
Use "facultative" to describe something that is optional or adaptable, often in biology or formal contexts.
Common Phrases:
facultative anaerobe, facultative parasite, facultative adaptation
Etymology:
From Latin *facultativus*, meaning "optional," derived from *facultas* (ability).
Examples:
- 1. Some bacteria are facultative anaerobes, surviving with or without oxygen.
- 2. The course includes facultative modules for advanced students.
- 3. Facultative parasites can live independently or rely on a host.
- 4. Her attendance at the meeting was facultative, not required.