ENGLISH
REFERENCE

occasional

adj. · n.
US //əˈkeɪʒənəɫ// UK //əkˈeɪʒənəl// oc·ca·sion·al
  1. 1 happening sometimes (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    happening from time to time, but not regularly or very often.

    occurring or appearing at irregular intervals; not frequent or constant.

    Example

    We still have the occasional argument, but generally we get along very well.

    Example

    Despite the overall improvement in the economy, the region still suffers from occasional power outages during the peak of summer.
  2. 2 for a specific event (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    made or used for a special event or a particular reason.

    created or intended for a specific occasion or particular purpose.

    Example

    The poet wrote an occasional poem to celebrate the king's birthday.

    Example

    The composer was commissioned to produce an occasional piece for the opening of the new national theatre.
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  1. 3 doing something sometimes (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    doing a job or a hobby only once in a while.

    acting in a specific role or capacity only from time to time.

    Example

    He is an occasional painter who only picks up a brush when he is on holiday.

    Example

    As an occasional contributor to the Sunday papers, she maintained her profile in the literary world without the pressure of a weekly column.
  2. 4 a person (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    a person who does something only once in a while.

    a person who engages in an activity or attends an event only occasionally.

    Example

    The pub was quiet, filled only with a few regulars and the odd occasional.

    Example

    The church congregation consisted of a small core of devoted members and a larger group of occasionals who attended only on major holidays.
Origin

From Middle English occasyonal, from Medieval Latin occāsiōnālis and Old French ocasionel. By surface analysis, occasion + -al.

Word family

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