oftentimes

adverb

of·​ten·​times ˈȯ-fən-ˌtīmz How to pronounce oftentimes (audio)
ˈȯf-tən-
: on many occasions : often
The quickness of the hand oftentimes deceives the eye.W. V. Quine
Seemingly untoward events oftentimes lead to successful results.Herman Melville
Oftentimes they were asleep, but occasionally might be heard talking together …Nathaniel Hawthorne
A man's ignorance sometimes is not only useful, but beautiful – while his knowledge, so called, is oftentimes worse than useless …Henry David Thoreau
Oftentimes cyclists mistake dehydration for hunger.Brian Wansink

Did you know?

Despite its archaic, literary ring, oftentimes is quite alive today. In fact, it seems to be more popular now than it was in past decades, appearing frequently both in written expression and in speech. Oftentimes was first used in the 14th century (the same century that gave us often), and its meaning hasn't changed—as meanings oftentimes will—in all that time. It was formed as an extension of its slightly older synonym ofttimes. Today ofttimes is less common, but oft (which comes from Old English and also means "often" or "frequently") is popular in combination with past participles, as in oft-praised.

Examples of oftentimes in a Sentence

Oftentimes, he is the only man in the aerobics class. children oftentimes don't realize how quickly time passes
Recent Examples on the Web As more boomers reach retirement age, many are facing the stark reality of insufficient savings—and turning, oftentimes reluctantly, to their adult children for support. Jasmine Li, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 There's power in seeing people live out what acceptance actually looks like, which oftentimes isn't shining a spotlight on someone because of their identity. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2024 Researchers wrote that oftentimes, shops would provide some banking services as well, helping immigrants to send money back to China. Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024 The important health care that dentists offer is invasive, noisy and oftentimes uncomfortable or painful. Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2024 The important health care that dentists offer is invasive, noisy, and oftentimes uncomfortable or painful. Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024 Therefore, arguing for the text or against the text is oftentimes literally a matter of life and death. Okla Jones, Essence, 19 Jan. 2024 And oftentimes the conversation stays within those boundaries. Dominic Pino, National Review, 10 Jan. 2024 Ironing works, but boards take up a lot of room and steam irons can oftentimes be a bit harsh on certain fabrics. Neha Tandon, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oftentimes.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oftentimes was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near oftentimes

Cite this Entry

“Oftentimes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oftentimes. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

oftentimes

adverb
of·​ten·​times -ˌtīmz How to pronounce oftentimes (audio)
variants or ofttimes
: often

More from Merriam-Webster on oftentimes

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