adv
oftentimes
OF-uhn-tymz
Oftentimes (adv) means Often; frequently. A slightly old-fashioned or formal variant of "often". Example: “Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the best one.”
adv
1
Often; frequently. A slightly old-fashioned or formal variant of "often".
"Over the past decade, the very nature of organized crime has changed, with many groups diversifying their income beyond drug trafficking, and large cartels splintering into smaller, oftentimes more nimble groups."
— Whitney Eulich, Mexico arrests son of ‘El Chapo’: Why don’t citizens feel safer? (2023)
"Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the best one."
How to use oftentimes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishJust another way of saying "often", slightly more formal-sounding.
When to use it
Common in American English, especially in slightly formal or reflective writing; less common in British English, where "often" is preferred.
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_____, the simplest solution is the best one.
Etymology
From Middle English oftentymes, built from "often" plus "time" plus the adverbial "-s" ending.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for oftentimes
See all rhymes for oftentimes →Frequently asked questions
What does “oftentimes” mean?
The word “oftentimes” means often; frequently. A slightly old-fashioned or formal variant of "often". In plain terms, just another way of saying "often", slightly more formal-sounding.
How do you pronounce “oftentimes”?
“Oftentimes” is pronounced OF-uhn-tymz (/ˈɔf.ənˌtaɪmz/ in IPA).
How do you use “oftentimes” in a sentence?
Here is “oftentimes” used in a sentence: “Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the best one.”
What part of speech is “oftentimes”?
“Oftentimes” is an adverb.
Where does the word “oftentimes” come from?
The word “oftentimes” comes from Middle English. From Middle English oftentymes, built from "often" plus "time" plus the adverbial "-s" ending.
