Occasion
əˈkeɪʒən
Definitions
3 meaningsA particular event, or a time when something happens.
əˈkeɪʒən
A particular event or time when something happens.
The charity gala was a glamorous occasion.
💡 Simply: It's like a special moment, like a party or a holiday. It's when something happens!
👶 For kids: A time when something special happens, like a birthday party or a holiday.
More Examples
We celebrated the occasion with a delicious dinner.
This is a rare occasion, so let's make the most of it.
How It's Used
"The wedding was a joyous occasion."
"On this auspicious occasion, we celebrate our company's anniversary."
A good reason or cause for something.
əˈkeɪʒən
The rain provided the perfect occasion for staying indoors.
💡 Simply: It's like the reason something happens, like a good reason to celebrate or a reason to be sad. It's a cause.
👶 For kids: The reason something happens.
More Examples
His promotion was an occasion for great celebration.
There was no occasion for alarm.
How It's Used
"The economic downturn provided an occasion for the company to restructure."
"His poor health was the occasion of his resignation."
To cause or bring about; to be the cause of.
əˈkeɪʒən
The scandal occasioned a wave of resignations.
💡 Simply: To make something happen, like the rain occasioning the cancellation of the picnic.
👶 For kids: To make something happen, like the rain occasioning the cancellation of the picnic.
More Examples
The discovery of oil occasioned rapid economic growth.
Her words occasioned a heated argument.
How It's Used
"The unexpected news occasioned a sudden change of plans."
"His departure occasioned much sadness among his colleagues."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
on occasion
Sometimes, but not often.
"I eat sushi on occasion, but I'm not a big fan."
From Middle French *occasion* and directly from Latin *occasiō* ('a falling down, opportunity, occasion'), from *occāsus*, past participle of *occadere* ('to fall down, happen'), from *ob-* ('towards') + *cadere* ('to fall').
The word 'occasion' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to a cause or reason.
Memory tip
Think of it as a 'special time'. Like a birthday.