often

American  

[aw-fuhn, of-uhn, awf-tuhn, of-] / ˈɔ fən, ˈɒf ən, ˈɔf tən, ˈɒf- /

adverb

1. many times; frequently.

   He visits his parents as often as he can.

   Synonyms:

   customarily, repeatedly

   Antonyms:

   seldom

2. in many cases.

   Synonyms:

   customarily, repeatedly

   Antonyms:

   seldom

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adjective

1. Archaic. frequent.

often British  

/ ˈɒftən, ˈɒfən /

adverb

1. Archaic equivalents: oftentimes.   ofttimes.  frequently or repeatedly; much of the time

2. quite frequently

3. at intervals

4. in more than half the instances

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adjective

1. archaic repeated; frequent

often Idioms  

1. see every now and then (so often); more often than not.

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Pronunciation

Often was pronounced with a t -sound until the 17th century, when a pronunciation without the came to predominate in the speech of the educated, in both North America and Great Britain, and the earlier pronunciation fell into disfavor. Common use of a spelling pronunciation has since restored the for many speakers, and today and [or and ] exist side by side. Although it is still sometimes criticized, often with a is now so widely heard from educated speakers that it has become fully standard once again.

Synonym Usage

Often, frequently, generally, usually refer to experiences that are customary. Often and frequently may be used interchangeably in most cases, but often implies numerous repetitions and, sometimes, regularity of recurrence: We often go there; frequently suggests especially repetition at comparatively short intervals: It happens frequently. Generally refers to place and means universally: It is generally understood. He is generally liked; but it is often used as a colloquial substitute for usually. In this sense, generally, like usually, refers to time, and means in numerous instances. Generally, however, extends in range from the merely numerous to a majority of possible instances; whereas usually means practically always: The train is generally on time. We usually have hot summers.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• oftenness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of often

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English oftin, variant before vowels of ofte ; see oft

Explanation

Often means "frequently," like if you see your friends every day, you see each other often. The adverb often can mean "in great quantities," like you often stop by the donut shop, you might be shocked to realize you've been there hundreds of times in the last few years. Often can also mean "in many cases or instances." When a student starts to study more and get more serious about learning, it often leads to better grades.

Example Sentences

Often, retail investors can expect an allocation of around 5%, experts say.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

Often, they come across as commands by an orchestra to sit up straight and pay attention.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Often picked together in United's midfield at Under-21 level this season, Tyler is more of a number six or number eight.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Often, the debates are even more fraught than in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Often he had felt torn by a tug-of-war between duty and honor—a tension, he thought, that might account for “a good portion of my psychic difficulties over the years.”

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• generally
• much
• regularly
• repeatedly
• usually