Laxi Dictionary

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Definition once in British English

once adverb, conjunction, noun

adverb, conjunction, noun
/wʌns/

Once can be used in the following ways:

as an adverb: I only met him once.They’ve been here once before.

as a conjunction: Once you get there, you’ll love it.

as a noun (after ‘for’ or ‘at’): For once I wish you’d tell me the truth. (after ‘the’, ‘this’, or ‘that’): Yes, I met him, but just the once.

1

on one occasion only

Example

Cathy's only been to visit us once.

Example

I'd seen the show once before, but I enjoyed seeing it again.

Example

I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully.

Example

We met just the once, but I still remember him very clearly.

Synonyms and related words
once isolated unrepeatable
2

used for saying that a particular situation existed at a time in the past, but it does not exist any longer

Example

Did you know that Dan was once a policeman?

Example

Louise bought the house where her grandparents had once lived.

Example

The once mighty US car industry was now facing strong competition from abroad.

Synonyms and related words
past ago previously
2.1

used for saying that something happened at some time in the past

Example

Once we drove all the way to Edinburgh with four little kids in the back seat.

Example

I once taught myself to knit, and I was pretty good at it.

Synonyms and related words
past ago previously
3

used for saying that as soon as one thing happens, something else happens

Example

Once we were through the gates, she went off and left me on my own.

Example

I'm sure you'll be very happy here once you get to know everyone.

Synonyms and related words
after following since
Definition once in British English