occasion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   reason

   there was no occasion for complaint

2. 2
   noun

   an opportunity to do something

   There was never an occasion for you to demonstrate your skill.

3. 3
   noun

   the time of a particular event

   On the occasion of their 60th birthday.

4. 4
   noun

   A favorable opportunity; a convenient or timely chance.

   At this point, she seized the occasion to make her own observation.

5. 5
   noun

   The time when something happens.

   On this occasion, I'm going to decline your offer, but next time I might agree.

6. 6
   noun

   An occurrence or state of affairs which causes some event or reaction; a motive or reason.

   I had no occasion to feel offended, however.

7. 7
   noun

   Something which causes something else; a cause.

   [I]t were too vile to ſay, and ſcarce to be beleeued, what we endured: but the occaſion was our owne, for want of prouidence, induſtrie and gouernment, […]

8. 8
   noun

   A particular happening; an instance or time when something occurred.

   I could think of two separate occasions when she had deliberately lied to me.

Etymology

From Middle English occasioun, from Middle French occasion, from Old French occasiun, from Latin occāsiōnem, noun of action from perfect passive participle occāsus, from verb occidō, from prefix ob- (“down", "away”) + verb cadō (“fall”).