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

---

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

---

adjective

1. archaic repeated; frequent

often Idioms  

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

---

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

• 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 referred to as “super apps,” these software programs are popular in Asia and incorporate services that Americans usually access by downloading separate apps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

Often described as the cell's internal cleanup and recycling system, autophagy removes damaged proteins and cellular debris before they can accumulate and cause harm.

From Science Daily • Jun. 28, 2026

Often called the "cold blob", this swath of water in the North Atlantic has bucked the global warming trend, cooling even as the planet's temperatures rise due to human-induced climate change.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

Often quick to claim victory, his silence now has been read by some as a sign of the difficulty he faces in deciding his next steps.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

Often, I’ll leave the wagon, walking to make her trip lighter.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• generally
• much
• regularly
• repeatedly
• usually