Often Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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often
[ˈɒfən ]
Definitions
in daily life
Frequently, many times or regularly
Synonyms
frequently, regularly, repeatedly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| often |
Used to describe something that happens many times or much of the time.
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| frequently |
Used to indicate that something occurs many times within a short period or intervals.
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| regularly |
Used for actions that happen at a set pattern or intervals, giving a sense of routine.
|
| repeatedly |
Implies that something happens again and again, often in a manner that might be annoying or bothersome. Generally has a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He often goes to the gym after work.
- She often forgets to turn off the lights when she leaves the house.
- They often argue about politics.
in conversations
Used for saying that something happens many times or much more frequently than usual
Synonyms
frequently, regularly, repeatedly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| often |
Use 'often' to indicate something that happens many times or on many occasions. It is common in both formal and informal contexts.
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| frequently |
Use 'frequently' as a more formal synonym for 'often'. It suggests a higher regularity and is typically used in formal writing or speech.
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| repeatedly |
Use 'repeatedly' for actions that are done over and over again. It often carries a negative connotation and can imply annoyance or persistence.
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| regularly |
Use 'regularly' when referring to something that happens at uniform intervals or with a consistent schedule. It implies a certain routine or orderliness.
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Examples of usage
- I often see her at the supermarket.
- He often complains about his job.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- Often can be used as an adverb to modify verbs, indicating frequency, as in 'She often visits her grandma.'
- It's considered a 'frequency adverb,' placed typically before the main verb but after 'be' verbs.
- In more formal writing, it's often preceded by 'the' in phrases like 'the often-cited research.'
Cultural Significance
- In literature, the concept of frequency often explores themes of recurring events or habits in character development.
- Often-related phrases like 'more often than not' convey nuanced meanings about likelihood and expectation.
- Culturally, the frequency of certain actions, like celebration and mourning, shapes communal identities and rituals.
Psychology
- Psychologically, the perception of how often something happens can vary based on personal bias or experience.
- The 'illusion of frequency' is a phenomenon where repeated exposure makes actions seem more common than they are.
- Studies suggest that people are more likely to recall events deemed significant, affecting their judgment of how often they occur.
Usage in Media
- In song lyrics, the word often appears to emphasize repetition, adding emotional weight to the message.
- Popular phrases like 'the truth often hurts' underscore collective experiences shared in storytelling and communication.
- In movies and TV shows, characters might reflect on what they 'often' do, creating relatable narratives about daily life.
Origin of 'often'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'oft', which also means frequent or many times.
- In Middle English, it appeared as 'ofte', reflecting the gradual evolution of spelling and pronunciation.
- Historical documents show variations of the term being used in different dialects, illustrating its linguistic journey.
The word 'often' has a long history in the English language, dating back to Old English. It comes from the Old English word 'oft', which meant 'frequently'. Over time, the word evolved into 'often' with the addition of the suffix '-en'. The usage of 'often' has remained consistent over the centuries, with its meaning of frequency or regularity.
See also: aft.