oftentimes

Oftentimes is another way of saying often or frequently. It’s used to give an idea of how frequently something happens or is done.

Something that happens occasionally happens sometimes. Something that happens oftentimes happens a lot (though maybe not all the time).

Oftentimes is an adverb, meaning it’s typically used to describe verbs. It’s oftentimes associated with habitual actions.

A less common variant of oftentimes is ofttimes.

Example: He would oftentimes take his dog for a walk in the woods to clear his head.

The first records of the word oftentimes come from the late 1300s. The more common word sometimes is formed in the same way. The suffix -s is used in oftentimes to form an adverb—the same way it’s used in sometimes and always.

Terms like sometimes and oftentimes are used to indicate the relative frequency of an action or occurrence over a period of time. But they’re not definite terms—they depend on what the speaker means. In fact, two different people might use sometimes and oftentimes to indicate about the same level of frequency. Still, oftentimes is typically used to indicate a higher level of frequency than sometimes, as in I sometimes return my library books on time, but I oftentimes forget.

What are some synonyms for oftentimes?

• ofttimes
• often
• frequently
• regularly
• repeatedly

What are some words that share a root or word element with oftentimes? 

• often
• oft
• sometimes
• at times
• all the time

What are some words that often get used in discussing oftentimes?

• habit
• routine
• repetition

Oftentimes is less commonly used than often. When it is used, it’s oftentimes associated with habitual actions or recurring events.

Oftentimes I reflect on my Jamaican heritage, the journey of my foreparents, and tears come to my eyes. Sheer pride. Jamaica to the worl'! 🇯🇲

— Nadine White (@Nadine_Writes) September 13, 2020

“Social science research is oftentimes problem-focused…We approach the issues from a very different perspective. Our question is, ‘Given the structural impediments that they face, why do Black people do so well?’”https://t.co/6npzcGhEKU

— Lauren J. Parker, PhD, MPH (@DR_LJParker) September 12, 2020

oftentimes posting on twitter makes me feel like a medieval serf balancing on his head for attention

“look, my lord, look! i am being silly. now can i get a hear ye hear ye”

— nozzy inc. (@schnooozle) August 4, 2020

Which of the following words has a meaning that’s closest to oftentimes?

A. usually
B. never
C. always
D. rarely