oft
Americanadverb
abbreviation
adverb
Etymology
Origin of oft
before 900; Middle English oft ( e ), Old English oft; cognate with Old Frisian ofta, Old Saxon oft ( o ), German oft, Old Norse opt
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It has been oft noted by commentators who excel at statements of the obvious that Berkshire has enough cash to buy many of the world’s most-admired companies.
From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026
The lie, oft repeated, becomes for many, the truth.
From Salon • Sep. 11, 2023
“I don’t know,” she was oft quoted as saying.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 24, 2023
Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.
From BBC • May 5, 2023
I sat down in the chair she cleared oft for me, but she didn’t look at me or speak.
From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.