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

What’s calming for one person might be a nightmare for others, which is why dark romance as it’s currently understood has often been a genre found easiest through authors who self publish. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025

Note that canned green beans are often high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 11 Feb. 2025

These drugs prevent medical complications of obesity, which are often quite costly to the taxpayers. —Sheldon Toubman, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2025

While some argue that eating an item with the intent to pay for it later is harmless, others point out that this habit often crosses a line. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

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