adverb
often
AW-fuhn/ˈɔːfn/
Many times or on many occasions.
She often returns to water the plant on her shelf.
Etymology
Middle English often was an expanded form of oft, retaining its sense “again and again.” The expansion was probably influenced by its opposite, seldom; often eventually became the everyday choice.
In context
When we have conversations, we often use the same sentences again and again and again
More examples
- We often take the bus instead of driving.
- How often does this filter need changing?
- He visits his cousins more often now.
Forms
often · oftener · oftenest
Similar words
- frequently
- Slightly more formal; likewise describes repeated occasions.
- regularly
- Suggests a pattern or schedule, not just frequent occasions.