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

That’s not to say the politics that so often dominate our lives were absent or should have been ignored. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

In a World Cup that was so often illuminated by the game’s biggest stars, glory was claimed by the strongest collective. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026

His band Porcupine Tree had spent the ’90s paying tribute to all manner of classic ’70s sounds, though often with a modernized studio sheen that attracted contemporary prog acolytes searching for one last drop at the bottom of the barrel. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026

Sharing the clean-air tips in this article may be helpful to day care providers or friends and relatives your child visits often. — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 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

Kids Definition

often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯ-fən  ˈȯf-tən 

: many times : frequently