optar

Senses

1. 1.

   to choose, to opt (for)

   to make a choice between alternatives, usually followed by 'por'

2. 2.

   to decide (on/for)

   to settle on a particular option or course of action

Examples

• "Depois de muito pensar, optei por fazer medicina."

  After a lot of thought, I chose to study medicine.

• "A empresa optou por não renovar o contrato."

  The company decided not to renew the contract.

• "Você pode optar pelo pagamento à vista ou parcelado."

  You can opt for payment in full or in installments.

Usage

Optar is nearly always followed by the preposition 'por' (optar por algo/alguém). It's common in both formal and informal contexts. A frequent collocation is 'optar por fazer algo' (to choose to do something).