Once Meaning and Definition
Once
Pronunciation
/wəns/
Part of Speech
Adverb, conjunction, or noun
Definition
A single or one occasion, instance, or occurrence of an event, action, or state; may also denote one time in the past.
Examples
- She visited Paris only Once.
- Once I finish my studies, I plan to travel the world.
Synonyms
- At one time
- One time
Antonyms
- Always
- Repeatedly
Additional Information
Once can be used as an adverb, conjunction, or noun, depending on the context in which it is used. It is commonly used to denote a single occurrence or instance of an event or action.
When used as a conjunction, Once introduces a subordinate clause describing a condition or circumstance that triggers the main action. It can also indicate cause and effect.
Once can also be used as an adverb to emphasize the uniqueness or singularity of an event or occurrence. In this sense, it can be used to describe something that happens only one time or for a short duration.
In idiomatic expressions, Once is often used in phrases such as “once in a lifetime” or “once in a blue moon,” which denote rare or unique occurrences.
Etymology
The word Once comes from the Old English word “ānc”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*ainaz”, meaning “one” or “single”. The word has evolved over time, with its meaning and usage expanding to include various contexts and functions.
Usage Notes
When using Once as a conjunction, it is essential to ensure that the subordinate clause is correctly structured and related to the main clause. As an adverb, Once can be used to add emphasis or to describe a unique occurrence.
Cultural References
Once has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, the song “Once” by The Longpigs and the film “Once” (2007) directed by John Carney.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Once in a lifetime
- Once in a blue moon
- Once upon a time
Related Words or Phrases
- Single
- Unique
- One time
Collocations
- Once again
- Once more
- Once and for all
Frequency of Use
Once is a commonly used word in modern language, with a high frequency of occurrence in spoken and written communication.
Common Misspellings
- Wunce
- Onse
- Wonse