often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯf-tən  ˈȯ-fən 

: many times : frequently

… are often puzzled and sometimes annoyed by the ways of other peoples …

—W. A. Parker

Synonyms of often

• frequently
• constantly
• repeatedly
• always

Examples of often in a Sentence

They go out to dinner fairly often.

How often do you call your mother?

The condition often returns even after treatment with antibiotics.

I often take a walk during my lunch break.

He travels more often than I do.

The disease is diagnosed most often in children.

They seem to be getting into arguments more and more often.

It's not often that I get to enjoy a day off.

Water the plants often enough to keep the soil moist.

Recent Examples on the Web

And yes, any one person who does it might not be encountered often, but the older person may encounter it multiple times (from different people) in the same week. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

McMahon often speaks about her legacy. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

While his family visits often, Knightsbridge helps manage things in their absence, coordinating Christmas gifts for his tennis friends, stocking the house with groceries, and arranging leisure activities through Europe. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2026

Many colleges today have yet to integrate AI into learning, with professors often outright banning use of the technology in the classroom. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oft

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing often

• all too often
• as often as not
• every so often
• more often than not

Rhymes for often

• boffin
• coffin
• offen
• soften
• tryptophan

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently