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

Diane Brady is an award-winning business journalist and author who has interviewed newsmakers worldwide and often speaks about the global business landscape. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025

How often has Matthau played this character, the lovable slob? —Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025

For example, drugs that are used to treat Alzheimer’s (such as Aricept) can lead to REM sleep behavior disorder, which can cause intense, often bad dreams and may even lead people to act out their dreams, Kushida says. —Stacey Colino, Time, 3 Nov. 2025

Not that there’s a direct cause and effect between botched screens and not knowing where you’re supposed to line up shortly after them, but the point is that far too often this season, the Packers have looked disheveled or inept on offense, given their talent on that side of the ball. —Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 3 Nov. 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