often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯf-tən  ˈȯ-fən 

: many times : frequently

are often puzzled and sometimes annoyed by the ways of other peoples

—W. A. Parker

Synonyms

• again and again
• constantly
• continually
• frequently
• hourly
• much
• oft
• oftentimes
• ofttimes
• over and over
• repeatedly

Examples of often in a Sentence

They go out to dinner fairly often.

How often do you call your mother?

The condition often returns even after treatment with antibiotics.

I often take a walk during my lunch break.

He travels more often than I do.

The disease is diagnosed most often in children.

They seem to be getting into arguments more and more often.

It's not often that I get to enjoy a day off.

Water the plants often enough to keep the soil moist.

Recent Examples on the Web

Agencies often underestimate costs, undercount affected small businesses, and neglect less burdensome alternatives, sometimes finalizing more harmful regulations without proper justification. —Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

The protagonist is typically away from home, modern communication technology is usually limited, and the cabin is often stuck in a remote location where any number of strangers could be lurking outside the door. —James Mercadante, EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Second chances are precious and often compel us to catapult further than before. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024

The condition is incurable, progressive and often fatal. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oft

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing often

• all too often
• as often as not
• every so often
• more often than not

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently