oft

American  

[awft, oft] / ɔft, ɒft /

adverb

Literary.

1. often.

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OFT ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. Office of Fair Trading

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oft ² British  

/ ɒft /

adverb

1. short for often (archaic or poetic except in combinations such as oft-repeated and oft-recurring )

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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

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

That’s one reason that the reputations of most presidents improve after they leave office: Contrary to Shakespeare, it’s the evil men do that’s “oft interred with their bones.”

From Seattle Times

The lie, oft repeated, becomes for many, the truth.

From Salon

“I don’t know,” she was oft quoted as saying.

From Seattle Times

Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

From BBC

Related Words

• a great deal
• considerably
• exceptionally
• extremely
• frequently
• highly
• indeed
• often
• regularly
• very