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

The board gained five new members in the November election, a turnover expected to bring a more moderate tone to a board that for years was seen as ultra-liberal and often tussled with Breed — also a moderate — over tough-on-crime policy proposals. —Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

The book also explores the pressures of beauty standards, the complexities of womanhood, and the emotional toll of living in a society that often forces women to fit into a narrow, unrealistic mold. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Check the context Articles and headlines can often be shared out of context. —Melissa Mahtani, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2025

Areas served only by older coaxial infrastructure represent promising FTTH opportunities, as customers in these regions often seek faster, more reliable connections. —Katherine Latham, Forbes, 8 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently