Occasionally — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ə-ˈkā-zh(ə-)nə-lē/ oc·ca·sion·al·ly

Meaning & Definition of Occasionally

Occasionally (adverb)

  1. on occasion, now and then

Occasionally (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. on some occasions

    "we occasionally stop for ice cream on the way home"

    similar: here and there, now, now and then, sometimes, at times, ever and anon, every now and then, from time to time, once in a while, on occasion
    related: intermittently, off and on, periodically, recurrently, infrequently, little, rarely, seldom, irregularly, sporadically, variously
    near: frequently, hourly, much, oft, often, oftentimes, commonly, ordinarily, regularly, routinely, usually, always, consistently, constantly, invariably, continually, continuingly, continuously, incessantly, perpetually, unceasingly, uninterruptedly, endlessly, ever, interminably

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Occasionally

The most common words with a similar meaning to Occasionally:

here and there, now, now and then, sometimes, at times, ever and anon, every now and then, from time to time, once in a while, on occasion

Related Words for Occasionally

intermittently, off and on, periodically, recurrently, infrequently, little, rarely, seldom, irregularly, sporadically, variously

Near Antonyms of Occasionally

frequently, hourly, much, oft, often, oftentimes, commonly, ordinarily, regularly, routinely, usually, always, consistently, constantly, invariably, continually, continuingly, continuously, incessantly, perpetually, unceasingly, uninterruptedly, endlessly, ever, interminably

Origin & Etymology of Occasionally

Middle English occasionaly "on a particular occasion, sometimes," from occasyonal occasional + -ly -ly:2

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Occasionally

Words & Phrases Containing Occasionally

very occasionally

Frequently Asked Questions about Occasionally

What does "Occasionally" mean?

"Occasionally" means on occasion, now and then. As an adverb, it is defined as: on occasion, now and then.

What is another word for "Occasionally"?

Other words for "Occasionally" include here and there, now, now and then, sometimes, at times, ever and anon, every now and then and from time to time. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Occasionally" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Occasionally"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Occasionally". Common alternatives include here and there, now, now and then, sometimes, at times, ever and anon, every now and then, from time to time, once in a while and on occasion.

How do you use "Occasionally" in a sentence?

Examples of "Occasionally" in a sentence: "we occasionally stop for ice cream on the way home".

Is "Occasionally" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Occasionally" is an adverb.

Is "Occasionally" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Occasionally" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Occasionally"?

"Occasionally" is pronounced /ə-ˈkā-zh(ə-)nə-lē/ and divided into syllables as oc·ca·sion·al·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Occasionally"?

"Occasionally" comes from Middle English occasionaly "on a particular occasion, sometimes," from occasyonal occasional + -ly -ly:2. First known use: 15th century.