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

The components include sensors, so-called coreless motors that power precise high-speed movements and speed reducers often used in joints to mimic human motions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Still, Chinese suppliers are narrowing the gap and often offer lower prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

After that it can be just as quick, and often simpler, to stay on course around the Moon and fall back to Earth, Orion programme manager Howard Hu said before the launch.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

But in the case of the S&P 500’s biggest gainers and losers for the first quarter, there’s often more to the story.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

This large bare room in the hospital was where all the sick in the camp had to assemble, often standing outside in the rain for hours just to get through the door.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• generally
• much
• regularly
• repeatedly
• usually