Ocasional vs. Occasional: The Correct Spellings

A simple mnemonic to remember the spelling of "occasional" is to think of the double "c" as two occasions back-to-back. Whenever you're unsure, recall those two occasions, and you'll remember the double "c."

When it comes to the words "ocasional" and "occasional," there's a clear distinction in their spellings. "Occasional" is the correct version. The key difference lies in the number of "c"s; "ocasional" has just one, while "occasional" has two.

The term "occasional" is rooted in the word "occasion," which originates from the Latin word "occasio," referring to an opportune or favorable moment. This base word has further given rise to derivatives like "occasionally," an adverb describing something that happens from time to time.

Incorrect: He visits his grandparents only on ocassional weekends.

Correct: He visits his grandparents only on occasional weekends.

Incorrect: I enjoy an ocassional cup of coffee in the evening.

Correct: I enjoy an occasional cup of coffee in the evening.

Incorrect: My attendance to the gym has been very ocassional lately.

Correct: My attendance to the gym has been very occasional lately.

Incorrect: The ocassional error in the document was overlooked.

Correct: The occasional error in the document was overlooked.

Incorrect: She makes an ocassional exception to her diet.

Correct: She makes an occasional exception to her diet.

Occasional denotes something that happens or appears from time to time, not regularly.

Occasional can also mean sporadic or intermittent.

Occasional can refer to something suitable for a particular occasion or special event.

Occasional implies being non-habitual or not frequent.

Occasional might describe someone employed or participating as a substitute rather than on a regular basis.

Occurring, encountered, done, or taken from time to time; irregular or infrequent.

Created for a special occasion

Intended for use as the occasion requires

Being a factor that makes something possible; being a cause of something.

Acting in a specified capacity from time to time

Occurring or appearing irregularly from time to time, but not often.

Created for a specific occasion.

Intended for use as the occasion requires.

Acting in the indicated role from time to time.

A person who does something only occasionally.

Occuring at times, but not constant, regular, or systematic; made or happening as opportunity requires or admits; casual; incidental; as, occasional remarks, or efforts.

Produced by accident; as, the occasional origin of a thing.

Of or pertaining to an occasion or to occasions; intended for a specific occasion; for use only when needed, and not regularly.

occurring from time to time;

occurring or appearing at usually irregular intervals;

employed in a specified capacity from time to time;

I have occasional headaches after a long day at school.

He buys an occasional lottery ticket, dreaming of winning big one day.

She felt an occasional breeze that made the summer heat bearable.

I take an occasional walk in the park to clear my mind.

The occasional error is acceptable in a first draft.

She indulges in occasional shopping sprees when there's a sale.

The occasional rain shower makes the garden look more vibrant.

Our family enjoys an occasional movie night with popcorn and snacks.

The museum holds occasional workshops for kids during the holidays.

He experiences occasional moments of doubt about his decision.

Our occasional meetings with friends are always a great time.

They take an occasional trip to the beach to relax and unwind.

He feels an occasional urge to quit his job and travel the world.

They enjoy an occasional game of tennis on weekends.

The teacher allows us an occasional break from homework.

I notice an occasional bird visiting my window in the mornings.

The library hosts occasional story-telling sessions for children.

I have an occasional craving for spicy food.

I enjoy an occasional slice of cake with my coffee.

Our teacher gives us an occasional pop quiz to keep us on our toes.

The park is a perfect place for an occasional picnic with family.

She makes an occasional visit to her hometown to see her parents.

He takes an occasional glance at his watch during meetings.

I hear an occasional noise from the attic at night.

She adds an occasional splash of color to her outfits with accessories.

To appear or be present somewhere sometimes.

Allowing oneself to enjoy something special or luxurious from time to time.

Someone who visits a place or person from time to time.

Happening or done sometimes but not regularly.

A temporary failure or mistake that happens from time to time.

Something special that one allows oneself to have once in a while.

An activity or project undertaken at irregular intervals.

A hobby or activity that one engages in from time to time.

A person who visits or stays at a place infrequently.

A sudden desire or change of mind that occurs from time to time.

A moment of contemplation or consideration that occurs sometimes.

A friend or partner who accompanies one on certain occasions but not consistently.

To spend money freely or extravagantly on something as a treat once in a while.

An unexpected event or gift that happens sometimes.

To go out or leave home infrequently, usually for a specific purpose.

A thought or idea that comes to mind from time to time.

A sudden increase in activity, emotion, or effort that happens sometimes.

Someone who reads books, articles, etc., from time to time but not regularly.

A desire or hope that one has from time to time.

A disagreement or argument that happens infrequently.

No, "occasional" is the correct spelling, while "ocasional" is a common misspelling.

Yes, for example, an "occasional writer" would mean someone who writes infrequently.

Yes, synonyms include "infrequent," "sporadic," and "intermittent."

"Occasional" is derived from the noun "occasion," meaning a particular event or instance.

Think of the double "c" as representing two occasions back-to-back.

Yes, like "occasionally," meaning from time to time.

It's often used to describe something that doesn't happen regularly, like "occasional meetings" or "occasional errors."

The word is rooted in "occasion," which also has two "c"s, emphasizing its Latin origin from "occasio."

The opposite would be "frequent" or "regular."

"Occasional" is an adjective used to describe nouns.