Option Meaning and Translations

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option

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In finance, an option is a contract giving someone the right to buy or sell an asset at a specific price within a set time.
  • Options trading allows investors to hedge against losses and speculate on price movements.
  • The value of an option can fluctuate based on market conditions, adding complexity to trading strategies.

Technology

  • Many devices offer options in their settings, allowing users to customize features according to their preferences.
  • The 'Options' menu in software programs lets users choose how they want the program to behave.
  • With the rise of personal technology, giving options increases user satisfaction and engagement.

Psychology

  • Having more options can lead to 'choice overload', where too many choices make decision-making harder.
  • Research suggests that limiting options can actually lead to greater satisfaction after a decision is made.
  • The concept of 'decisional regret' arises when individuals feel unhappy about the choices they didn't make.

Literature

  • In storytelling, characters often face options that test their values and lead to significant changes in the plot.
  • Literature frequently explores the theme of choice as a reflection of human nature and the consequences of decisions.
  • Different genres play with the idea of options, such as 'choose your own adventure' books, where readers dictate the story direction.

Origin of 'option'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'optio', which means 'choice' or 'selection'.
  • In the 14th century, the term began to be used in English to refer to making a choice.
  • It has evolved to include not just simple choices, but also various forms of selection in different contexts.

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See also: optimal.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,366, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.