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

Bears fans are likely hoping the team hasn't regressed after finding the confidence to secure some thrilling, and often close, wins in their previous games this season. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2025

Areas used daily, like kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, and tile floors, often take priority, leaving dust on baseboards overlooked or forgotten behind furniture. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025

Special considerations Developing jacquard denim often requires more time and collaboration than traditional denim, with a longer lead time and deeper involvement from the design team to ensure their vision is fully realized, Ix explained. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025

But some have arguably harmed the abundance and growth potential of natural resources and other species, and even for humans, the rewards of technology are often inconsistently shared. —Vauhini Vara, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 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