occasional
uh-KAYZH-nuhl
Occasional (adj) means happening from time to time, but not regularly or often. Example: “There will be occasional showers this afternoon, but mostly it will stay dry.”
adj
1
Happening from time to time, but not regularly or often.
"There will be occasional showers this afternoon, but mostly it will stay dry."
"He has the occasional cup of coffee, but usually drinks tea."
"He was mostly solitary, but enjoyed the occasional visitor."
"We enjoy the occasional trip to the coast."
"He took an occasional glass of wine."
2
Created for or used on a particular event or occasion.
"The choir learned an occasional piece written for the opening of the new bridge."
"He composed an occasional poem to celebrate the school's anniversary."
"Elgar's music was not created to be occasional music for high-school graduations."
"The poet wrote several occasional verses for royal ceremonies."
How to use occasional
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHappening now and then, not on a regular basis.
Common pairings
occasional visitor
occasional rain
occasional table
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Word forms
- Plural
- occasionals
- Comparative
- more occasional
- Superlative
- most occasional
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There will be _____ showers this afternoon, but mostly it will stay dry.
Etymology
From "occasion" plus the adjective suffix "-al".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for occasional
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for occasional →
Frequently asked questions
What does “occasional” mean?
The word “occasional” means happening from time to time, but not regularly or often. In plain terms, happening now and then, not on a regular basis.
How do you pronounce “occasional”?
“Occasional” is pronounced uh-KAYZH-nuhl (/əˈkeɪʒ(ə)nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “occasional” in a sentence?
Here is “occasional” used in a sentence: “We enjoy the occasional trip to the coast.”
What part of speech is “occasional”?
“Occasional” is an adjective.
Is “occasional” a common word?
“Occasional” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “occasional” have?
“Occasional” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening from time to time, but not regularly or often.
What is the difference between 'occasional' and 'rare'?
Occasional means something happens from time to time but not regularly. Rare suggests something happens very seldom, so occasional events are more frequent than rare ones, though still not regular.
What is the difference between 'occasional' and 'frequent'?
Occasional describes something that happens now and then, without a regular pattern. Frequent describes something that happens often, so the two words sit at opposite ends of how often something occurs.
What is an 'occasional table'?
An occasional table is a small, light table used only now and then for a particular purpose, such as holding a drink or a lamp. The name draws on the sense of 'occasional' meaning made for or used on a particular occasion.
How often does 'occasional' actually mean?
Occasional has no fixed frequency, but it signals that something happens from time to time rather than regularly or often. It sits between 'rare' and 'frequent,' suggesting irregular, spread-out instances.
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