What is occasion? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of occasion in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of occasion

occasionnoun

dịp, cơ hội

/əˈkeɪʒn/

Definition & pronunciation of <strong>occasion</strong>

Where does the word occasion come from?

The word "occasion" has a rich history. It originates from the Old French word "ocasion," which is derived from the Latin "ocasio," meaning "the act of falling into or meeting." This Latin term is a combination of "ocis," meaning "fall" or "meeting," and "io," a suffix forming verbal nouns. In the 14th century, the French word "ocasion" was borrowed into Middle English as "occasion," initially meaning a chance or a propitious or unfavorable opportunity. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any event, either formal or informal, that is significant or noteworthy, such as a birthday, anniversary, or celebration. Today, "occasion" is used to describe a wide range of events, from formal gatherings to casual get-togethers, and is an essential part of everyday language.

Vocabulary summary occasion

typenoun

meaningopportunity

exampleto profit by the occasion

meaningcause, direct reason, accidental reason

exampleto occasion someone to do something

meaning(archaic, archaic meaning) work, business

typetransitive verb

meaningcause, give birth to, be the cause

exampleto profit by the occasion

meaningunlucky

exampleto occasion someone to do something

Example of vocabulary occasionnamespace

meaning

a particular time when something happens

  • on this/that occasion
  • I've met him on several occasions.
  • They have been seen together on two separate occasions.
  • On one occasion, she called me in the middle of the night.
  • Only on rare occasions do I go out socially.
meaning

a special event, ceremony or celebration

  • a great/memorable/happy/momentous occasion
  • Turn every meal into a special occasion.
  • They marked the occasion (= celebrated it) with an open-air concert.
  • Their wedding turned out to be quite an occasion.
  • We expect you to dress for the occasion.
meaning

a suitable time for something

  • It should have been an occasion for rejoicing, but she could not feel any real joy.
  • These workshops provide an occasion for talking about art.
  • This is not a time for specifics, but an occasion for vision.
  • Festivals were occasions for great celebration.
meaning

a reason or cause

Synonyms and related words for occasion

Idioms of vocabulary occasion

on occasion(s)
sometimes but not often
  • He has been known on occasion to lose his temper.
a sense of occasion
a feeling or understanding that an event is important or special
  • Candles on the table gave the evening a sense of occasion.

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