occasion

An important or special event, often one that people celebrate.

• Her birthday was a happy occasion.
• I save this dress for special occasions.
• Everyone wore a suit for the occasion.

Similar words: event, celebration

Common phrases: special occasion, happy occasion, formal occasion

A particular time when something happens.

• On one occasion, I forgot my keys.
• We have met on several occasions.
• Did she call on that occasion?

How to use it: on an occasion (On one occasion, we missed the last bus.)

Similar words: time, instance

Common phrases: on one occasion, on a later occasion, on another occasion

A suitable time or chance to do something.

• This is a good occasion to thank her.
• The trip gave us an occasion to talk.
• We used the occasion to announce our plans.

How to use it: occasion to do something (The visit was an occasion to discuss our plans.); occasion for something (Their arrival was a good occasion for a family meal.)

Similar words: opportunity, chance

Common phrases: good occasion, occasion to celebrate, occasion for something, seize the occasion

A reason for doing something or having a particular feeling.

• There is no occasion for alarm.
• His rude reply gave her occasion to complain.
• The report provided little occasion for hope.

How to use it: occasion for something (The delay gave us occasion for concern.); occasion to do something (There was no occasion to doubt her honesty.)

Similar words: reason, cause, grounds

Common phrases: occasion for concern, no occasion, occasion to complain

To cause something to happen.

• The error occasioned a delay.
• Her decision has occasioned much debate.
• The storm occasioned serious damage to the bridge.

Similar words: cause, bring about

Common phrases: occasion concern, occasion a delay, occasion something