# occasion

/əˈkeɪʒən/ (US) · /əkˈeɪʒən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/occasion
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a specific time

noun · CEFR B1

a particular time or instance when something happens.

For teachers: a particular time or instance of an event occurring.

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

### 2. a special event

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 3. a reason or cause

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a reason or a cause for doing something.

For teachers: a reason, cause, or justification for a particular action or feeling.

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

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to cause something to happen.

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

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

## Examples

- We only use the fine china on a special occasion.
- I have met him on several occasions, but we have never had a long conversation.
- The graduation ceremony was a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of rigorous academic study and personal growth for the entire cohort.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.