The phrasal verb "opt out" is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, making it a versatile expression. It typically means to choose not to participate in something or to withdraw from an obligation or system, often in relation to voluntary activities or automatic enrollments. For example, one might opt out of a mailing list, a company health plan, or a survey. In formal settings, it is frequently used in legal, corporate, or policy frameworks where individuals or organizations are given the option to exclude themselves from certain responsibilities or systems. The usage of "opt out" is fairly straightforward, often followed by the preposition "of" to specify what one is opting out from, and it has gained popularity with the increasing need for discussions around privacy and consent in digital spaces.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To choose not to participate in something, especially an option that allows withdrawal.
Many people choose to opt out of junk mail lists to avoid receiving unwanted advertisements.
You can opt out of the training program if you find it doesn't meet your needs.
2. To withdraw from a membership or a subscription.
I decided to opt out of the magazine subscription because I no longer find it relevant.
Several employees opted out of the company's health plan in favor of their spouse's insurance.