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

Stepping outside your everyday life has a way of clarifying what actually matters, and returning home with fresh eyes often makes the decisions that felt tough seem far more manageable. —Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

At least 10 people have been killed by the strikes, often by falling debris, in the UAE, including two members of the country's armed forces. —CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

That does not include state taxes, which often are higher. —Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

Reirson, the Western State College of Law professor, said the nation’s founding ideals of pluralism and equal opportunity have often clashed with an undercurrent of nativism and white supremacy. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 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