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 so nothing happened, which is a thing that often happens after a great deal of Official Fuss. — Steve Hendrix The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

Traditional mobile satellite services have often relied on specialized equipment, including satellite phones. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Outside the South, interestingly, recent research has found a greater embrace of Southern accent features, emerging in particular among those in rural areas where traditional lifestyles and, often, more conservative views are embraced. — Valerie M. Fridland, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Items from the products in the minibar to the ingredients used in the kitchen are locally sourced, often from the Sandoval brothers’ own farm. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 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

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently