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

Biomimicry often fails when the design is too large, Hassanalian says, but is most efficient on the microscale. —Tom Brown, Space.com, 25 May 2026

All locations are pet-friendly and the lobbies often include workspaces for those catching up on emails on the go. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 25 May 2026

Under-21 goalkeeper George Pickford, no relation to Jordan, impressed on his first loan with sixth-tier Southport in the second half of the season and has often been the fourth member of the first team’s training group. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 May 2026

Rosen tells Deadline that the concept of the twisty, often buoyant thriller came about during the pandemic, while meditating on his wife’s myriad responsibilities and the increasingly suffocating terms of our digital existence. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 24 May 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