occasion
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a particular time or instance when something happens.
n.a particular time or instance of an event occurring.
Simple“I have met her on several occasions, but we have never really spoken.”
In context“On several occasions, the manager had warned the staff about the importance of securing the building before leaving at night.”
UsageCommonly used with the preposition 'on'.
PitfallI have met him in many occasions. I have met him on many occasions.Use the preposition 'on' with 'occasion', not 'in'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a special or important event, such as a wedding or a big celebration.
n.a special event, ceremony, or celebration, often implying a degree of formality.
Simple“A graduation is a great occasion for the whole family to get together.”
In context“The opening of the new gallery was a grand occasion, attended by local dignitaries and famous artists from across the country.”
UsageOften modified by adjectives like 'special', 'formal', or 'grand'.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a reason or a cause for doing something.
n.a reason, cause, or justification for a particular action or feeling.
Simple“There is no occasion for you to be so rude to the waiter.”
In context“The CEO stated that there was no occasion for alarm, despite the recent fluctuations in the global stock market.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'no occasion to' or 'no occasion for'.
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to cause something to happen.
v.to bring about or cause something, especially a feeling or a reaction.
Simple“The sudden change in the weather occasioned a delay in our travel plans.”
In context“The publication of the controversial report occasioned a heated debate among members of the scientific community.”
UsageThis is a transitive verb and always requires a direct object.
Usage separate occasion
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.