Often

Definition

Often is an adverb that describes frequency, meaning "frequently" or "many times at short intervals."

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔːf(ə)n/ or /ˈɑːf(ə)n/
• Respelling: AWF-en or OF-en

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɒf(ə)n/
• Respelling: OF-en

Etymology

The word "often" originates from Middle English "oftin," a variation of "ofte," meaning "frequently" or "many times." It is derived from Old English "oft," which traces back to Proto-Germanic "*ufta" and Proto-Indo-European "*upo," meaning "up" or "again."

Derivatives

• Oftentimes (adverb)
• Oft (adverb, archaic)
• Oftener (adverb, comparative, rare)
• Oft-repeated (adjective)
• Oft-told (adjective)

Synonyms

• Frequently
• Regularly
• Repeatedly

Antonyms

• Rarely
• Seldom
• Infrequently

Usage

The adverb "often" is commonly used to describe how frequently something happens. For example, "She often visits her grandmother."

It is also used in different grammatical structures, such as in questions and negative sentences. For example, "How often do you exercise?"

Related Terms

• Always: At all times or on every occasion.
• Sometimes: On certain occasions but not always.
• Occasionally: At irregular or infrequent intervals.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• Happening many times at short intervals: Indicates something occurring frequently.
  • Example: "He often goes for a run in the morning."
• Commonly occurring in a given period: Describes actions that take place regularly.
  • Example: "Mistakes are often made when people are tired."