occasional
uh-KAY-zhuh-nuhl
/əˈkeɪʒənl/
Occurring, appearing, or done infrequently and irregularly.
Suggests something that happens 'now and then' without being a problem.
The story behind the word. From 'ob-' (toward) and 'cadere' (to fall). It describes something that 'falls' into your life by chance, like a leaf falling from a tree.
Word relationships
- sporadic: Sporadic is more formal and often implies a lack of pattern that might be problematic.
- incidental: Incidental implies something that happens as a minor byproduct of something else.
- regular: Happening at set times.
- constant: Happening all the time.
Commonly confused with
- casual: Casual refers to the manner (relaxed); occasional refers to the frequency (sometimes).
Word family
- occasional (adjective): Happening sometimes.
- occasionally (adverb): Now and then.
- occasion (noun): A particular event or time.
Collocations
- occasional visitor
- occasional use
- occasional outburst
- occasional treat
Example sentences
- "The rain cooled about half-past three to a mist, through which occasional pink and golden clouds floated." A description of weather in a famous novel.
- "He enjoys an occasional glass of wine with dinner, but he rarely drinks more than that." Describing a moderate habit.
Memory hook
An 'Occasional' event happens on a special 'Occasion'. Occasional is now and then.
When not to use
Do not use if the event is truly rare or surprising; use 'rare' or 'extraordinary' instead.
Fun facts
- In furniture, an 'occasional table' is a small table that can be moved around and used for various purposes as the 'occasion' arises.
Related words
Explore more words
intermittent, once in a blue moon, seasonal, momentary, provisional, continual
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