early 15c., "voluntary," from Late Latin electivus, from elect-, past participle stem of eligere "to pick out, choose" (see election). In U.S., in reference to school subjects studied at the student's choice, first recorded 1847. As a noun, from 1701.
雙語例句
1. Buchanan has never held elective office.
布坎南從未就任過經(jīng)選舉產(chǎn)生的職位。
來自柯林斯例句
2. They discussed whether patients should have to pay for all elective surgery.