◙ noun 1. a thing that is or may be chosen • 选择 »choose the cheapest options for supplying energy. 选择最便宜的能源供给方案。 [in sing.] the freedom, power, or right to choose something • 选择自由,选择能力,选择权 »she was given the option of resigning or being dismissed. 让她在辞职和被开除之间作出抉择。 »he has no option but to pay up. 他别无选择,只能付账。 a right to buy or sell a particular thing at a specified price within a set time • 购买权,期权 »Columbia Pictures has an option on the script. 哥伦比亚制片公司取得了该剧本的购买权。 ◙ verb 1. [with obj.] buy or sell an option on (something) • 买卖(某物的)期权
【IDIOMS】
◘ keep (或 leave) one's options open 1. not commit oneself • 暂时不作决定 ◘ not be an option 1. not be feasible • 不可行
【语源】
1. mid 16th cent.: from French, or from Latin optio(n-), from the stem of optare 'choose'. The verb dates from the 1930s