adv
Uncommon
oft
oft
Oft (adv) means Often; frequently. Now mostly literary or used in compound words. Example: “The poem speaks of a love oft remembered but never forgotten.”
adv
1
Often; frequently. Now mostly literary or used in compound words.
"The poem speaks of a love oft remembered but never forgotten."
How to use oft
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned or poetic way of saying "often" — rarely used alone in modern speech.
When to use it
Mostly seen today in literary writing or fused into compounds like "oft-cited" and "oft-repeated".
Common pairings
oft-cited
oft-repeated
oft-quoted
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Word forms
- Comparative
- ofter
- Superlative
- oftest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The poem speaks of a love _____ remembered but never forgotten.
Etymology
From Old English oft, "often" — the older, shorter ancestor of the modern word "often".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for oft
See all rhymes for oft →Frequently asked questions
What does “oft” mean?
The word “oft” means often; frequently. Now mostly literary or used in compound words. In plain terms, an old-fashioned or poetic way of saying "often" — rarely used alone in modern speech.
How do you pronounce “oft”?
“Oft” is pronounced oft (/ɔft/ in IPA).
How do you use “oft” in a sentence?
Here is “oft” used in a sentence: “The poem speaks of a love oft remembered but never forgotten.”
What part of speech is “oft”?
“Oft” is an adverb.
Where does the word “oft” come from?
The word “oft” comes from Old English. From Old English oft, "often" — the older, shorter ancestor of the modern word "often".
Is “oft” a common word?
“Oft” is an uncommon word in modern English.
