occasionnoun [ C ]
uk/əˈkeɪ.ʒən/us/əˈkeɪ.ʒən/B2 a particular time, especially when something happens or has happened:
We met on several occasions to discuss the issue.
I've heard him be rude to her on a number of occasions.
I seem to remember that on that occasion he was with his wife.
B1 a special or formal event:
Sara's party was quite an occasion - there were over a hundred people there.
At the wedding he sang a song specially written for the occasion.
I have a suit but I only wear it on special occasions.
The coronation of a new king is, of course, a historic occasion.
Congratulations on the occasion of your wedding anniversary.
formal an opportunity or reason for doing something or for something to happen:
The 200th anniversary of Mozart's death was the occasion for hundreds of special films, books and concerts.
An occasion may arise when you can use your knowledge of French.
The bride took/used the occasion to make a short speech.
on occasion
C2 sometimes, but not often:
He has, on occasion, made a small mistake.
More examples
- I'd like to thank everyone concerned for making the occasion run so smoothly.
- Is this an appropriate occasion to discuss finance?
- The funeral was a sombre occasion.
- As it was such a special occasion, she permitted herself a small glass of champagne.
- Her dress was too showy for such a formal occasion.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Points in time
- anytime
- as
- as and when idiom
- downstream
- during
- hour
- immediately
- in midstream idiom
- juncture
- later
- midstream
- midway
- moment
- once
- one
- point
- time
- time slot
- under the wire idiom
- wire
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Celebrations, parties & special occasions
Events and occurrences
Opportunity
Rarely & infrequently
Idiom(s)
have occasion to do sth
occasionverb [ T ]
uk/əˈkeɪ.ʒən/us/əˈkeɪ.ʒən/formalto cause something:
Her refusal occasioned a lot of trouble.
[ + two objects ] The case occasioned the authorities a lot of worry/The authorities were occasioned a lot of worry by the case.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Causing things to happen
- -ization
- -ize
- actuate
- actuation
- agent
- awaken (sth) in sb
- be associated with sth
- beget
- draw
- fuel
- instigate
- instigator
- introduce
- lie
- plant
- produce
- rise
- usher sth in
- wreak
- wrought
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