occasion
/ə'keiʤn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A particular time or instance of an event: A specific moment when something happens, often marked by some significance.
- A special or important event, ceremony, or celebration: A social gathering or happening that is noteworthy.
- A reason or cause: A circumstance that provides a ground or justification for an action or feeling.
- An opportunity: A suitable or favorable time to do something.
Verb:
- To cause or bring about: To be the direct cause of something happening.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- I met him on several occasions. (I met him at several specific times.)
- Their wedding was a joyous occasion. (Their wedding was a happy and important event.)
- There is no occasion for alarm. (There is no reason for alarm.)
- This presents the perfect occasion to try something new. (This provides the perfect opportunity to try something new.)
Verb:
- The news occasioned great surprise. (The news caused great surprise.)
Advanced Usage
"on occasion": Sometimes, but not regularly.
- He visits the city on occasion. (He visits the city sometimes.)
"rise to the occasion": To show that one can deal with a difficult situation successfully.
- When the team captain was injured, she rose to the occasion and led them to victory. (When the team captain was injured, she handled the challenge well.)
"take occasion to": To use an opportunity to do something.
- I would like to take this occasion to thank our sponsors. (I would like to use this opportunity to thank our sponsors.)
Variants and Related Words
Occasional (adj): Happening or appearing infrequently or from time to time.
- He makes occasional visits to his hometown. (He visits his hometown sometimes, but not often.)
Occasionally (adv): Now and then; at times.
- We go for walks occasionally. (We go for walks sometimes.)
Synonyms
- Event: A thing that happens, especially one of importance.
- Opportunity: A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
- Reason: A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.
Related Phrases
"as the occasion demands": As is necessary or appropriate for the situation.
- We will adapt our plan as the occasion demands. (We will change our plan as needed for the situation.)
"if the occasion arises": If the opportunity presents itself; if it happens.
- I will ask him if the occasion arises. (I will ask him if I get the chance.)
Idioms
- "a sense of occasion": A feeling that an event is important or special.
- The decorations gave the room a real sense of occasion. (The decorations made the room feel very special for the event.)
Noun
- an opportunity to do something
- there was never an occasion for her to demonstrate her skill
- the time of a particular event
- on the occasion of his 60th birthday
- reason
- there was no occasion for complaint
- a vaguely specified social event
- the party was quite an affair
- an occasion arranged to honor the president
- a seemingly endless round of social functions
- an event that occurs at a critical time
- at such junctures he always had an impulse to leave
- it was needed only on special occasions
Verb
- give occasion to