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 workers in Mississippi often voice the same complaints that many South Africans have about their country, such as its sluggish economy and widespread crime. —Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026

Modern warfare has shown that traditional radar systems often struggle to identify and monitor many small drones flying together. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026

The consulate is often the site of protests. —Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026

When hospitals acquire physician practices or outpatient clinics, prices often rise even when services remain unchanged. —Linda D. Gadd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 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