B1noun1K

Occasion

UK /["/əˈkeɪʒn/"]/US /["/əˈkeɪʒn/"]/

Definition

a particular time when something happens

In simple words: A special time or event.

Examples

  • We celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries with great joy.
  • The couple chose a beautiful venue for the occasion of their wedding.
  • On this occasion, I would like to announce my retirement.
  • She wore her best dress to the occasion, wanting to look her finest.
  • Every occasion calls for a different type of gift, depending on the recipient.

Usage notes

Used for events like birthdays, holidays, or significant moments. Suitable for both written and spoken contexts. Avoid in very casual situations unless referring to informal gatherings.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a special 'occasion' like an Oscar-tion — imagine winning an award.

Collocations

  • countless
  • many
  • multiple
  • recall
  • remember
  • on an/​the occasion
  • on occasion
  • on occasions
  • a number of occasions
  • on one occasion
  • on that occasion
  • auspicious
  • big
  • great
  • celebrate
  • mark
  • rise to
  • call for something
  • on occasion
  • occasion of
  • for all occasions
  • for every occasion
  • a sense of occasion
  • right
  • suitable
  • get
  • have
  • arise
  • occasion for
  • be an occasion for something
  • become an occasion for something
  • have occasion to do something
  • right
  • suitable
  • get
  • have
  • arise
  • occasion for
  • be an occasion for something
  • become an occasion for something
  • have occasion to do something

Synonyms

  • event
  • celebration
  • instance
  • happening
  • milestone

Antonyms

  • routine
  • normality

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'occasionally' which means sometimes.
  • Using it in plural form 'occasions' when referring to one event.
  • Mixing it up with 'opportunity', which means a chance.