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.

Related Words

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

• oftenness noun

Etymology

Origin of often

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

Example Sentences

They try to fit in, and be this other thing, and so often, that doesn’t work.

From Los Angeles Times

Children can often struggle with the loss of autonomy that a sudden bedtime announcement brings.

From BBC

Ground rents - which can often be hundreds of pounds a year - were abolished for most new residential leasehold properties in England and Wales in 2022 but they remain for existing leasehold homes.

From BBC

Unlike insurers and pensions, which match investments to long-term liabilities that won’t come due for years, individuals often sell holdings to pay for major life expenses.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dozens of the world’s major rivers are so heavily tapped, they often run dry before reaching the sea.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• generally
• much
• regularly
• repeatedly
• usually