ENGLISH
REFERENCE

occasion

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //əˈkeɪʒən// UK //əkˈeɪʒən// oc·ca·sion Archaic General-service

n. a particular time when something happens, or a special event like a wedding or a party. You use it to talk about a specific moment or a celebration.

n. a particular time or instance of an event; a special or formal social event. Often used with the preposition 'on' when referring to specific instances.


SIMPLE

We only use the fine china on a special occasion.

CONTEXTUAL

I have met him on several occasions, but we have never had a long conversation.

COMPLEX

The graduation ceremony was a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of rigorous academic study and personal growth for the entire cohort.

Synonyms
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”).

Usage

Commonly used with the preposition 'on' ('on this occasion') and often modified by adjectives like 'special', 'rare', or 'formal'.

Pitfall

in this occasionon this occasionThe noun 'occasion' takes the preposition 'on' rather than 'in' when referring to a specific time something happens.

Idioms2 entries

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