Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Happening or appearing from time to time; not regular or frequent: Describes something that occurs infrequently or at irregular intervals.
   • Created or intended for a special occasion: Describes something produced for or associated with a particular event or situation.
   • Acting in a specified capacity on particular occasions or in particular situations; not permanent or regular: Describes a role or employment that is not full-time or continuous.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • We enjoy the occasional dinner at our favorite restaurant. (This describes an infrequent, irregular activity.)
  • He is an occasional contributor to the magazine. (This describes a non-regular role.)
  • The poet wrote several occasional verses for royal weddings. (This describes works created for specific events.)

Advanced Usage

• "Occasional" vs. "Casual": While both can describe infrequent work, "occasional" emphasizes irregular timing, whereas "casual" often emphasizes a lack of permanence or formality.

  • She does occasional freelance work. (Work happens at irregular times.)
  • He has a casual attitude towards his studies. (This describes a manner, not frequency, and is a different usage of "casual".)

• Philosophical/Formal Use: In more formal or philosophical contexts, "occasional" can relate to a specific cause or event.

  • The theory of occasional causation. (This refers to a philosophical concept where events are the direct result of a divine or specific cause.)

Variants and Related Words

• Occasionally (adverb): Now and then; from time to time.

  • They occasionally meet for coffee.

• Occasion (noun): A particular time or instance of an event.

  • A formal occasion.

Synonyms

• Intermittent: Stopping and starting at intervals.
• Sporadic: Occurring at irregular intervals; scattered.
• Infrequent: Not occurring often; rare.

Antonyms

• Constant: Occurring continuously.
• Regular: Happening at uniform intervals.
• Frequent: Happening often.

Related Phrases

• On occasion: Sometimes, but not often.

  • He visits the city on occasion.

• Occasional table: A small table, such as a coffee table or side table, not used for regular dining. (This is a compound noun listed here as a related term.)

  • She placed the lamp on the occasional table.

Adjective

1. recurring or reappearing from time to time
   • periodic feelings of anxiety
2. occurring from time to time
   • casual employment
   • a casual correspondence with a former teacher
   • an occasional worker
3. occurring or appearing at usually irregular intervals
   • episodic in his affections
   • occasional headaches
4. occurring from time to time
   • took an occasional glass of wine