What does occasioned mean?
“Occasioned” is the past tense and past participle of the formal verb “occasion,” meaning to cause or bring about something. It is often used in reports, historical writing, and formal descriptions, particularly in the phrase “occasioned by,” as in “The damage was occasioned by severe weather.” The word can also function as a participial adjective, describing something brought about by a particular cause: “The occasioned delay was attributed to technical problems.” Its tone is more literary and impersonal than everyday alternatives such as “caused,” “prompted,” or “triggered.” Because it suggests a result or consequence, “occasioned” is especially effective when describing how an event led to a subsequent development.
Caused or brought about, especially as a result of an event or circumstance.
"The storm occasioned delays throughout the region."
Formal and literary; often used in the construction “occasioned by.”
Caused or resulting from a particular event or circumstance.
"The occasioned increase in demand surprised the suppliers."
Used as a participial adjective, especially in the phrase “occasioned by.”
“Occasioned” is a formal way of saying that something set a chain of events in motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of occasioned
“Occasioned” is formed from the English word “occasion” with the regular past-tense and past-participle suffix “-ed.” “Occasion” entered Middle English from Old French “occasion,” which derives from the Latin “occasio,” meaning an opportunity, occasion, or circumstance. The modern sense of causing or bringing about developed from the earlier sense of giving someone an opportunity or presenting a circumstance that prompts an action.
Related word forms
How occasioned is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary. It is especially common in the construction “occasioned by,” meaning caused by; in everyday speech, “caused” or “triggered” is more usual.
Easily confused with occasioned
“Occasion” is the noun meaning an event or opportunity, whereas “occasioned” is a verb form meaning caused or brought about.