adv

often

O-fuhn

adv

Frequently; many times.

"We often go for a walk after dinner."

"She is often the first one to arrive at the office."

How to Use Often

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA word for how frequently something happens.

Common mistake

The "t" is traditionally silent in most English accents ("OFF-en"), though pronouncing it ("OFF-ten") has become common and is now widely accepted.

Common pairings

how often more often than not as often as possible

more often comparative, oftener comparative, more often comparative, most often superlative, oftenest superlative, most often superlative

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We _____ go for a walk after dinner.

From Middle English ofte, with an added "n" by analogy with "seldom" — both ultimately from an old Germanic root meaning "often".

rarely forever occasionally never once

temporarily forever twice thrice once never eternal always

soften

rarely forever occasionally never once temporarily twice thrice eternal always