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

Their soils range from light volcanic sand to dense basalt rock, often layered with ash from relatively recent eruptions. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Hart, according to the two lawsuits, often videotaped church events attended by families and children. —Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

But filmmakers often compensate for shorter shoots by spending more time on preproduction. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026

And that often is their downfall. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 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
• tryptophan

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently