frequent

[adjective free-kwuh nt; verb fri-kwent, free-kwuh nt]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR frequent ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

happening or occurring at short intervals: to make frequent trips to Tokyo.

constant, habitual, or regular: a frequent guest.

located at short distances apart: frequent towns along the shore.

verb (used with object)

to visit often; go often to; be often in: to frequent the art galleries.

Nearby words

Origin of frequent

1400–50; late Middle English: ample, profuse < Latin frequent- (stem of frequēns) crowded; (v.) (< Middle French fréquenter) < Latin frequentāre, derivative of frequēns

Related forms

fre·quent·a·ble, adjectivefre·quent·er, nounfre·quent·ness, nounnon·fre·quent, adjective

non·fre·quent·ly, adverbo·ver·fre·quent, adjectiveo·ver·fre·quent·ly, adverbun·fre·quent, adjectiveun·fre·quent·ly, adverbun·fre·quent·a·ble, adjectivewell-fre·quent·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for frequent

Think of it as a frequent buyer program for personal karma, or a spiritual band-aid.
The Buddhist Business of Poaching Animals for Good Karma|Brendon Hong|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As a major source for steel during World War II, Sheffield was a frequent target of bombing raids.
The Greatest Rock Voice of All Time Belonged to Joe Cocker|Ted Gioia|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I inherited the Arnold Family Thunder ThighsTM, which was a source of frequent teasing and distress for me as a child.
You’re Never ‘Cured’ of an Eating Disorder|Carrie Arnold|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It shows what the experience of any frequent flyer already demonstrates.
Beer Countries vs. Wine Countries|Clive Irving|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST

She married an architect and their children, Dialta as well as another daughter and two sons, were frequent guests at La Pietra.
In Tussle Over Will, Mistress’s Family Takes a Bite Out of NYU|Anthony Haden-Guest|November 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sometimes, however, a more than usual vividness of conception will make up for the want of this frequent coxistence.
Mental Philosophy: Including the Intellect, Sensibilities, and Will|Joseph Haven
He thought much of eternity, and was frequent in secret prayer.
Sermons of Christmas Evans|Joseph Cross
Their frequent perusal made me so moody and introspective that my mother hid them from me and gradually I forgot all about them.
Against the Current|Edward A. Steiner
In recent times failures of banks and merchants have been frequent.
Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official|William Sleeman
Justice, moreover, with its frequent employment of trial by combat, did not essentially differ from private war.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 8|Various

British Dictionary definitions for frequent

frequent

adjective (ˈfriːkwənt)

recurring at short intervals

constant or habitual

verb (frɪˈkwɛnt)

(tr) to visit repeatedly or habitually

Derived Formsfrequentable, adjectivefrequenter, nounfrequently, adverbfrequentness, noun

Word Origin for frequent

C16: from Latin frequēns numerous; perhaps related to Latin farcīre to stuff

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for frequent

frequent

adj.

mid-15c., "ample, profuse," from Middle French frequent, or directly from Latin frequentem (nominative frequens) "crowded, repeated," of uncertain origin. Meaning "common, usual" is from 1530s; that of "happening at short intervals, often recurring" is from c.1600.

frequent

late 15c., from Middle French frequenter, from Latin frequentare "visit regularly," from frequentem (see frequent (adj.)). Related: Frequented; frequenting.

frequent

adjective

verb (used with object)

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Origin of frequent

Examples from the Web for frequent

frequent

adjective (ˈfriːkwənt)

verb (frɪˈkwɛnt)

Word Origin for frequent

frequent

frequent