Antonyms for once


Grammar : Adv
Spell : wuhns
Phonetic Transcription : wÊŒns


Definition of once

Origin :
  • c.1200, anes, from ane "one" (see one ) + adverbial genitive. Replaced Old English æne. Spelling changed as pronunciation shifted from two syllables to one after c.1300. Pronunciation change to "wuns" parallels that of one. As an emphatic, meaning "once and for all," it is attested from c.1300, but this now is regarded as a Pennsylvania German dialect formation. Meaning "in a past time" (but not necessarily just one time) is from mid-13c.
  • Once upon a time as the beginning of a story is recorded from 1590s. At once originally (early 13c.) meant "simultaneously," later "in one company" (c.1300), and preserved the sense of "one" in the word; the phrase typically appeared as one word, atones; the modern meaning "immediately" is attested from 1530s.
  • adv in the past; occurred one time only
Example sentences :
  • The faithful attendants at once suspected treachery in Alcibiades.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • Take it at once, and tell her I shall be up to see her presently.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • Once it was that he had felt a sudden great longing for the life of a gay city.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • For his sake, I am glad once more to be in my own happy home.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • "Oh, I see," said the younger Milbrey—his face clearing all at once.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • I have more than once tried to deceive you, but you will feel that I am not now speaking falsely.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • When I hear a note of music, can I not at once strike its chord?
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • "I'll put on the teakettle at once, Robert," said his mother, rising.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Well, if you have any business, you may state it at once, as I am quite busy.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • I have met a Mlle. Bines to whom I shall at once pay my addresses.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson

Synonyms for once

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019