Frequent

Definition

Frequent describes an action that happens often or a place that is visited many times.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English (Adjective)

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfriːkwənt/
• Respelling: FREE-kwuhnt (with "FREE" as in "free" and "kwuhnt" as in "blunt")

American English (Verb)

• IPA Pronunciation: /frɪˈkwɛnt/
• Respelling: frih-KWENT (with "frih" as in "sit" and "KWENT" as in "went")

British English (Adjective)

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfriːkwənt/
• Respelling: FREE-kwuhnt (with "FREE" as in "free" and "kwuhnt" as in "blunt")

British English (Verb)

• IPA Pronunciation: /frɪˈkwɛnt/
• Respelling: frih-KWENT (with "frih" as in "sit" and "KWENT" as in "went")

In both dialects, "frequent" as an adjective places the primary stress on the first syllable, "FREE." As a verb, the primary stress shifts to the second syllable, "KWENT." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, focusing on "FREE-kwuhnt" for the adjective and "frih-KWENT" for the verb.

Etymology

The word "frequent" comes from the Latin "frequentare," meaning "to visit often" or "to crowd." The Latin root "frequens" means "crowded" or "often." The term entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, with its meanings in both frequency of occurrence and habitual visitation.

Derivatives

• Frequency (noun)
• Frequently (adverb)
• Frequenter (noun)
• Infrequent (adjective)
• Frequentation (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Regular
• Common
• Recurrent

Antonyms

• Rare
• Infrequent
• Sporadic

Usage

The adjective "frequent" is commonly used to describe events, actions, or occurrences that happen often or at regular intervals. The verb form is used when someone regularly visits a particular place or engages in a specific activity. "Frequent" can apply in both formal and informal contexts, covering a range of topics from social behaviors to natural events.

Related Terms

• Habitual
• Periodic
• Constant
• Regularly
• Often

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Happening at Short Intervals: Describes something that happens repeatedly or at regular intervals.
  • Example: There are frequent meetings held to discuss the project’s progress.

• Common or Widespread: Refers to something that is commonly seen or experienced.
  • Example: Traffic jams are a frequent occurrence in the city during rush hour.

Verb

• To Patronize Habitually: Describes the action of regularly going to or supporting a specific establishment.
  • Example: They frequent the local theater to watch independent films.