Occasions
əˈkeɪʒənz
Definitions
2 meaningsA particular event, or a specific time when something happens.
əˈkeɪʒən
A particular time or instance of something happening.
The concert was a memorable occasion.
💡 Simply: Imagine a birthday party. The party itself is a special occasion, a time when people gather to celebrate.
👶 For kids: A special day or time when something happens.
More Examples
On this occasion, we'll be celebrating her promotion.
I've met him on several occasions at the conference.
How It's Used
"The wedding was a joyous occasion."
"He used the opportunity to discuss the matter on several occasions."
"On this occasion, we celebrate..."
To cause or bring about; to be the cause of.
əˈkeɪʒən
To cause something to happen or occur.
His careless remark occasioned an argument.
💡 Simply: Imagine if you left the door open, it might occasion a draft. It's to cause something to happen as a result of something.
👶 For kids: To make something happen or to cause something to happen.
More Examples
The unexpected news occasioned her great joy.
The scandal occasioned a public outcry.
How It's Used
"His actions occasioned a lot of criticism."
"The loss occasioned much sadness."
Idioms & expressions
On occasion
Sometimes, but not often.
"I eat fast food on occasion, but not regularly."
From Middle English occasioun, from Old French occasion, from Latin occāsiō (“a falling down, an opportunity, occasion”), from occāsus (“a falling down”), past participle of occidō (“I fall down, I set”), from ob- (“toward, against”) + cadō (“I fall”).
Used in similar forms since the 14th century, often in religious and formal contexts.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'occasion' like a specific moment or event in time that stands out.