occasion

Everyday

1. A particular time when something happens (on this occasion). tree →
2. A special event or celebration (a birthday is a special occasion). tree →
3. (formal) A reason or cause (there is no occasion to worry). tree →
4. (formal verb) To cause something. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, special occasions like birthdays, weddings, holidays; «dress for the occasion». In stories, «on one occasion» starts a small event. Phrases: «on occasion» (sometimes), «on this occasion», «a special occasion», «rise to the occasion» (do well when it matters).

Examples

• We only eat cake on special occasions. tree →
• On one occasion, the dog ate my homework. tree →
• I've met her on three occasions. tree →
• Wear your best clothes for the occasion. tree →
• We go to the cinema on occasion. tree →
• He rose to the occasion and scored the winning goal. tree →
• (formal) His late arrival occasioned some delay. tree →
• The palace was elegantly decorated for the occasion. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: double «c», single «s» — o-c-c-a-s-i-o-n. Adjective «occasional» and adverb «occasionally» mean «sometimes, not often». In maths, «on 3 occasions» means 3 times — count the occasions.

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life, special occasions like birthdays, weddings, holidays; «dress for the occasion». In stories, «on one occasion» starts a small event. Phrases: «on occasion» (sometimes), «on this occasion», «a special occasion», «rise to the occasion» (do well when it matters).

Examples

• As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. (Prophets EZK.18.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD; for he sought an occasion against the Philistines. (Prophets JDG.14.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure-house. (Writings EZR.7.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling trap: double «c», single «s» — o-c-c-a-s-i-o-n. Adjective «occasional» and adverb «occasionally» mean «sometimes, not often». In maths, «on 3 occasions» means 3 times — count the occasions.