once
once
Pronunciation
once: /wʌns/
/wʌns/
/w/ (as in "we")
/ʌ/ (as in "cup")
/n/ (as in "sun")
/s/ (as in "kiss")
Word Form Variations
The word "once" primarily functions as an adverb, conjunction, and less commonly as a noun. As such, it does not have typical singular, plural, or comparative/superlative forms like adjectives or nouns. Its form remains consistent.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: On one occasion only; a single time.
Example: I only went to that restaurant once.
Synonyms: one time, a single time
Antonyms: never, often, repeatedly
Definition 2: Formerly; at some time in the past.
Example: She was once a competitive swimmer.
Synonyms: previously, formerly, erstwhile
Antonyms: currently, presently, nowadays
Definition 3: (Used in calculations or measurements) Multiplied by one.
Example: Three times once is three.
Synonyms: (not directly applicable, as it's a specific mathematical use)
Antonyms: (not directly applicable)
Conjunction
Definition 1: As soon as; when. (Used to indicate that something happens immediately after something else.)
Example: Once you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
Synonyms: as soon as, when, directly
Antonyms: never, not until
Noun
Definition 1: A single instance or occasion. (Often used in phrases like "all at once" or "for once.")
Example: For once, he was on time.
Synonyms: instance, occasion, time
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific usage)
Examples of Use
Books:
"Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, lived a beautiful princess." (Classic fairy tale opening, e.g., Grimm's Fairy Tales)
"He had been a formidable debater once, but age had softened his edge." (Michael Connelly, The Dark Hours, November 2021)
Newspapers:
"The city's downtown core, once bustling with activity, now faces a challenge in attracting new businesses." (The New York Times)
"Experts warn that a cyberattack of this magnitude, once thought improbable, is now a very real threat." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Once the new software update is released, users will experience significant improvements in performance." (TechCrunch.com)
"The company, once a leader in the industry, has struggled to adapt to changing consumer demands." (Bloomberg.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: (Dialogue) "You only live once, so make the most of it." (You Only Live Once, 1937, and a common idiom)
Music: "I've only loved you once, but I'll love you forever." (Lyrics from a popular song, exact source varies across many artists)
Television Series: (From a character's monologue) "Once I figured out the pattern, the rest was easy." (From a crime drama, e.g., NCIS, aired episodes, 2023)
Video Game: (On-screen instruction) "Press 'X' to attack once." (Elden Ring, February 2022)
Podcast: "Our guest today, once a celebrated astrophysicist, now dedicates his time to environmental activism." (Science Friday, March 2025)
General Public Discourse:
"Let's meet up for coffee once you're free this week." (Casual conversation)
"She told me to check my work once more before submitting it." (Instructional setting)
"I tried that restaurant once, and it was delicious." (Review or personal experience sharing)
10 Quotes Using Once
"Once upon a time..." (Traditional fairy tale opening)
"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." (Bruce Lee)
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." (Mae West)
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." (Helen Keller)
"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." (Arthur Conan Doyle, The Sign of the Four)
"Fortune knocks but once." (Traditional Proverb, often attributed to Laurence J. Peter)
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." (Pablo Picasso)
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." (Jacques Yves Cousteau)
"Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once." (William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar)
"Once all struggle is grasped, miracles are possible." (Mao Zedong)
Etymology
The word "once" has a pretty straightforward journey through the history of the English language!
It comes from the Old English word "ānes," which meant "once," "at one time," or "on one occasion." This "ānes" actually combined two parts:
"ān" which meant "one" (just like our modern "one").
And the suffix "-es" which was used to form adverbs, sort of like how we add "-ly" to words today (think "quick" becoming "quickly").
So, you can almost think of "ānes" as meaning "of one" or "in one way" to indicate a single occurrence.
Over time, as English evolved, that "ānes" gradually changed its sound and spelling to become our "once." The "c" sound replaced the "s" sound in some positions, and the final "e" was added later.
The first known use and meaning of the word, going back to Old English, was essentially the same as its primary meaning today: referring to a single instance or a single point in time. It was used to express "on one occasion" or "at some former time."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Once
Once upon a time: A traditional opening for fairy tales.
All at once: Suddenly; simultaneously.
At once: Immediately; simultaneously.
Once in a while: Occasionally; sometimes.
Once and for all: Finally and definitively.
For once: For this single occasion (often implying a change from the norm).
Once bitten, twice shy: After a bad experience, one is hesitant to try again.
Once every blue moon: Very rarely.
Once in a lifetime: An opportunity or event that is unlikely to happen again.
Once-over: A quick inspection or look.
Once removed: Describing a relationship, like a first cousin once removed.
Just for once: Emphasizing a single, rare instance.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of once from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
