option

Something you can choose to do or have.

• We have another option.
• Walking is the cheapest option.
• Do you have the option of working from home?

How to use it: option to do something (You have the option to pay later.); option of doing something (They offered us the option of staying another night.)

Similar words: choice, alternative

Common phrases: another option, best option, option to leave

To pay for the right to buy something or use it later, often for a film.

• The studio optioned her novel.
• A producer wants to option the story.
• They optioned the script but never made the film.

Common phrases: option a novel, option film rights, option a screenplay