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

The often-sleepy general election campaign was a sharp contrast to the bruising, expensive Democratic primary that preceded it in March. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Midterm elections have often been a referendum on the sitting president. — S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Trump has often pointed over the past months to historical data showing that the party holding total control of Washington tends to perform poorly in midterm elections. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Grand hotels can often feel daunting with small children in tow, but Badrutt confidently avoids that trap. — Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 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