/ ˈɒfn; ˈɒftən; NAmE ˈɔːfn; ˈɔːftən; ˈɑːf-/ adverb
1.
many times
SYN frequently :
We often go there.
I've often wondered what happened to him.
How often do you go to the theatre?
I see her quite often.
Try to exercise as often as possible.
We should meet for lunch more often.
It is not often that you get such an opportunity.
2.
in many cases
SYN commonly :
Old houses are often damp.
People are often afraid of things they don't understand.
All too often the animals die through neglect.
•
IDIOMS
- as often as not | more often than not
- every so often
—more at once adverb
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : extended form of oft , probably influenced by selden seldom . Early examples appear to be northern English ; the word became general in the 16th cent.