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

In decades past, independent reports have found that the LAPD’s investigations of domestic violence allegations against its officers have often fallen short. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Trailblazer Tomoka Nishiyama has become the first female kishi – a professional player of shogi, a Japanese board game often compared to chess. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 28 Oct. 2026

However, extracting it from underground brines, hard rock and recycled batteries remains challenging because it is often mixed with sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

The first three often are considered the science prizes, and since their start in 1901, scientists in the United States have won 44% of those. — Mattanjah De Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 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