1. in a manner based on choice or selection; optionally rather than by requirement
2. by means of or relating to election or voting
Usage: formal

Examples

• Students can take Spanish electively in ninth grade or wait until tenth grade.
• The course is offered electively, so enrollment is not required.
• She chose to study music electively rather than as a core subject.
• The committee members were selected electively by the board.
• Participation in the program is entirely elective; students may join electively if interested.