once
//wʌns//
Translation
once
Definition
Once is an adverb used to indicate that something happened at a specific time in the past, typically one time only, or to mean 'as soon as' when used as a conjunction. It can also express a past state or condition that no longer exists. For example, 'I once lived in Paris' means at some previous point in time, I lived there. As a conjunction, 'Once you finish your homework, you can go out' means immediately after that condition is met. This word is common in both formal and informal contexts and is often used in storytelling or giving instructions. Note: 'once' can also mean 'one time' (e.g., 'I saw it once'), but here we focus on its use as a past-time adverb and conjunction.
Example
“I once met a famous actor on the street.”
“Once the rain stops, we can go for a walk.”
“She once believed in magic, but now she is more skeptical.”
“Once you learn the basics, the rest becomes easier.”
“He once owned a small bookstore in the city center.”
“Once the alarm goes off, everyone must leave the building.”
“I once tried to learn Japanese, but I gave up after a month.”
“Once she arrives, we can start the meeting.”
“They once lived in a small village near the mountains.”
“Once the contract is signed, the deal is final.”
Synonyms