once

UK: wʌns | US: wʌns

Definition

  1. adv. on one occasion; at one time in the past

  2. conj. as soon as; when

  3. n. a single occasion

Structure
one <single>ce <adverbial suffix>
Etymology

The word "once" originates from Old English ānes, the adverbial genitive of ān ("one"). The suffix -ce (later simplified to -s) was used to form adverbs of time. Over time, the spelling evolved to "once," retaining the core idea of "one time" or "a single occasion." The word’s logic reflects a straightforward numerical concept ("one") extended to temporal contexts.

Examples

  1. I visited Paris once and fell in love with the city.

  2. Once you finish your homework, you can play outside.

  3. She told me the story once, but I forgot the details.

  4. This happens once in a lifetime.

  5. He was once a famous actor, but now he lives quietly.