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Occasionally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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occasionally

[əˈkeɪʒ(ə)nəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in daily life

Sometimes, but not often; infrequently

Synonyms

infrequently, now and then, sometimes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occasionally

Use 'occasionally' to indicate something that happens from time to time, but not regularly. It's often used for neutral or positive situations.

  • I occasionally go for a walk in the park.
  • She visits us occasionally.
sometimes

'Sometimes' indicates something that happens occasionally but not consistently. It can be used in a wide variety of contexts.

  • Sometimes I read books before bed.
  • He sometimes forgets his keys.
infrequently

'Infrequently' suggests that something occurs rarely and is less common. It is often used in more formal contexts.

  • The bus service runs infrequently on weekends.
  • He infrequently checks his email.
now and then

Use 'now and then' in casual or conversational speech to describe something that happens at irregular intervals but not often.

  • I like to bake cookies now and then.
  • She writes letters to her old friends now and then.

Examples of usage

  • He occasionally drinks coffee in the morning.
  • She visits her parents occasionally on weekends.
  • They go out for dinner occasionally to celebrate special occasions.
Context #2 | Adverb

in formal writing

At times; from time to time

Synonyms

intermittently, periodically, sporadically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occasionally

Use this word when describing something that happens from time to time without a regular pattern. It's often used in casual conversations.

  • He occasionally goes to the gym
  • She occasionally eats out at fancy restaurants
periodically

Use this term to describe something that happens at regular, predictable intervals, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.

  • The company conducts safety trainings periodically
  • I visit my hometown periodically
intermittently

This word is best used when describing something that starts and stops at irregular intervals. It carries a slightly technical or formal tone.

  • The internet connection works intermittently
  • The pain comes and goes intermittently
sporadically

Best used for events that occur randomly and infrequently without any predictable pattern. It can sometimes imply a sense of unpredictability or rarity.

  • He checks his email sporadically
  • Wildlife sightings occur sporadically in the region

Examples of usage

  • The company will occasionally offer promotions to its employees.
  • The professor occasionally travels abroad for research purposes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Everyday Use

  • Many people use 'occasionally' to describe habits, like exercising or eating out, indicating it's not a regular thing.
  • It often relates to frequency, often appearing in conversations about plans, like 'I occasionally visit my grandma.'

Psychology

  • Psychologists say that occasional rewards can enhance motivation, making the experience more enjoyable.
  • Events that happen occasionally can create anticipation, positively impacting mood and emotional states.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of occasional gatherings is popular in social media, with 'occasional brunches' becoming trendy among friends.
  • Songs and lyrics often refer to moments that happen occasionally, evoking nostalgia or fleeting happiness.

Science

  • In research, phenomena that occur occasionally are often termed 'sporadic', highlighting their unpredictable nature.
  • Studies suggest that certain behaviors, like exercise frequency, can have various health benefits when done occasionally.

Origin of 'occasionally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'occasio', meaning 'opportunity' or 'fitting time'.
  • It started being used in Middle English in the late 14th century, evolving from the Latin root.

The word 'occasionally' originated from the Latin word 'occasionalis', which means 'casual' or 'incidental'. The term has been used in the English language since the 16th century. Over time, it has evolved to represent the idea of something happening infrequently or at irregular intervals. The adverb 'occasionally' is commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe actions or events that occur from time to time.

See also: occasion, occasional, occasionalness, occasions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,631, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.