Occasionally

Definition

Occasionally means happening or occurring at irregular intervals or infrequently. It is primarily used as an adverb.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈkeɪʒ.nə.li/, /əˈkeɪʒ.nəli/
• Respelling: uh-KAY-zhuh-nuh-lee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈkeɪʒ.nəl.i/, /əˈkeɪʒ.nəli/
• Respelling: uh-KAY-zhuh-nuh-lee

Etymology

The word "occasionally" derives from the Latin "occāsio," meaning "a favorable opportunity" or "chance." It evolved into Middle English via Old French "occasion," with the suffix "-ally" indicating an adverbial form.

Derivatives

• Occasion (noun)
• Occasional (adjective)
• Occasioned (verb, past tense)
• Occasioning (verb, present participle)
• Occasionalist (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Sporadically
• Infrequently
• Intermittently

Antonyms

• Frequently
• Regularly
• Continuously

Usage

The term "occasionally" is commonly used to describe events or actions that happen from time to time but not regularly. For example, "I occasionally visit my grandparents on weekends" or "It rains occasionally in this area."

Related Terms

• Seldom: Happening rarely or infrequently.
• Sometimes: At certain times, but not always.
• Intermittent: Occurring at irregular intervals.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• At irregular or infrequent intervals: Refers to something that happens from time to time.
  • Example: "She occasionally goes hiking with friends."
• In some cases but not always: Describes situations that occur under certain conditions.
  • Example: "The car occasionally has trouble starting in cold weather."