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

• 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 unique human ability for speech and language—often impacted by autism and schizophrenia—may also be connected. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025

While the most obvious advice is to not drive through deep floods, people want to get to their destinations and often go right into the asphalt swamp. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

Learning from Past Framework Failures ESG and DEI initiatives often reward disclosure over outcomes, creating confusion and eroding stakeholder trust. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Advertisement Reversing the Roadless Rule would slam the door shut on those local, often rural businesses that rely on recreation visitors only to roll out the red carpet to mining, timber corporations and the fossil fuel industry. —Ryan Gellert, Time, 9 Sep. 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

Rhymes for often

• boffin
• coffin
• offen
• soften
• tryptophan

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently