What does "occasion" mean?

1. (a specific time) a particular time or instance when something happens. 2. (a special event) a special or important event, such as a wedding or a big celebration. 3. (a reason or cause) a reason or a cause for doing something. 4. (to cause) to cause something to happen.

How do you use "occasion"?

Commonly used with the preposition 'on'. Often modified by adjectives like 'special', 'formal', or 'grand'. Often used in the phrase 'no occasion to' or 'no occasion for'. This is a transitive verb and always requires a direct object.

Is it correct to say "I have met him in many occasions."?

No — say "I have met him on many occasions.". Use the preposition 'on' with 'occasion', not 'in'.

occasion

n. · v.

US //əˈkeɪʒən// UK //əkˈeɪʒən// oc·ca·sion

1 a specific time (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a particular time or instance when something happens.

a particular time or instance of an event occurring.

Example

I have met her on several occasions, but we have never really spoken.

Example

On several occasions, the manager had warned the staff about the importance of securing the building before leaving at night.

Usage

Commonly used with the preposition 'on'.
Pitfall

I have met him in many occasions.

I have met him on many occasions.

Use the preposition 'on' with 'occasion', not 'in'.
2 a special event (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a special or important event, such as a wedding or a big celebration.

a special event, ceremony, or celebration, often implying a degree of formality.

Example

A graduation is a great occasion for the whole family to get together.

Example

The opening of the new gallery was a grand occasion, attended by local dignitaries and famous artists from across the country.

Usage

Often modified by adjectives like 'special', 'formal', or 'grand'.

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3 a reason or cause (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

a reason or a cause for doing something.

a reason, cause, or justification for a particular action or feeling.

Example

There is no occasion for you to be so rude to the waiter.

Example

The CEO stated that there was no occasion for alarm, despite the recent fluctuations in the global stock market.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'no occasion to' or 'no occasion for'.
4 to cause (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to cause something to happen.

to bring about or cause something, especially a feeling or a reaction.

Example

The sudden change in the weather occasioned a delay in our travel plans.

Example

The publication of the controversial report occasioned a heated debate among members of the scientific community.

Usage

This is a transitive verb and always requires a direct object.
- prevent

Origin

From Middle English occasioun, from Middle French occasion, from Old French occasiun, from Latin occāsiōnem, noun of action from perfect passive participle occāsus, from verb occidō, from prefix ob- (“down", "away”) + verb cadō (“fall”).

Word family

Nounoccasion
Adjectiveoccasional

Idioms2 entries