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

• again and again
• constantly
• continually
• frequently
• hourly
• much
• oft
• oftentimes
• ofttimes
• over and over
• repeatedly

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

To investigate the most difficult cases, often ones that have gone unsolved for decades, and take an audience along for the ride for the improbable victories and inevitable failures? —Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

Despite its growth, DeFi carries substantial risks around smart contract vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainty, and often volatile returns. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

These events are nothing short of catastrophic for local communities, but the way they are portrayed in the media often doesn’t fully reflect what’s happening on the ground, according to Victoria Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville. —Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025

If the couple indeed gets back together—the ending is left open—Susan will probably have to surrender some of her newly won independence, as often happens in Hollywood romantic comedies of the period. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025

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