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

Residents are also often reluctant to testify against their neighbors, making cases difficult to prove in court. —Audrey McAvoy The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 1 Feb. 2025

An illustrious modeling career means Elsesser is often jet-setting the globe, and as a result, her time at home has become her vacation time. —Fanny Guénon Des Mesnards, Architectural Digest, 1 Feb. 2025

As mentioned, pine nuts, which are often rather expensive, aren’t mandatory either. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025

They are easily recognized and often found near the tops of plants or on the ends of stems and branches. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 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