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

• again and again
• constantly
• continually
• frequently
• hourly
• much
• oft
• oftentimes
• ofttimes
• over and over
• repeatedly

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 emergencies in these shows are contained and often solvable. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 May 2025

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month—an observance many companies often mark by promoting mental health initiatives to their employees. —Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Weak turf is often a result of the wrong type of grass for the growing conditions. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025

Liverpool’s output might have been better this season had Alexander-Arnold been available more often. —Gregg Evans, New York Times, 8 May 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