What does occasionally mean?
Occasionally means from time to time, at irregular or infrequent intervals. It is useful when an event happens sometimes but not often, without implying either that it never occurs or that it follows a fixed schedule. For example, a service may be occasionally unavailable, or a person may occasionally travel for work. The word is common in everyday conversation as well as in formal writing. Compared with “sometimes,” it can carry a slightly more precise or measured tone, while “sporadically” may suggest an irregular, less predictable pattern. In sentences such as “Occasionally, errors are unavoidable,” it can also emphasize that an exception occurs from time to time rather than continuously.
adverbAt irregular or infrequent intervals; from time to time, but not often.
- Sometimes; at infrequent or irregular intervals.
"We occasionally meet for coffee when our schedules allow."
"The old road occasionally becomes flooded after heavy rain."
"She is occasionally self-deprecating when discussing her achievements."
Occasionally is the reassuring middle ground between “never” and “every day.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does occasionally come from?
The word comes from the adjective “occasional,” which was formed from Latin “occasio,” meaning a fitting time, opportunity, or circumstance. The Latin adjective “occasionalis” referred to something arising on particular occasions, and the adverb “occasionally” developed in English with the sense of “at certain times.” Related English words include “occasion” and the adjective “occasional,” all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How occasionally is actually used
Common in formal and informal English. It usually means that something happens sometimes but not regularly; in some contexts it can suggest a result is unusual or exceptional.
Easily confused with occasionally
No distinction is needed: this is the headword itself, not a separate word.