n.
- a particular event, or the time at which it takes place.
▸a suitable or opportune time.
- a special event or celebration.
- formal reason; cause:
we have occasion to rejoice.
v.
formal cause.
Phrase
- on occasion
from time to time. - rise to the occasion
perform well in response to a special situation. - take occasion
make use of an opportunity to do something.
Etymology
ME: from L. occasio(n-) ‘juncture, reason’, from occidere ‘go down, set’.