gelegentlich
Translation
occasionally, sometimes, from time to time
Examples
Ich treffe ihn gelegentlich in der Stadt.
I occasionally meet him in the city.
Das war nur eine gelegentliche Bemerkung.
That was just an occasional remark.
Grammar Patterns
((Adverb)) + ((Verb)) to occasionally do sth. I occasionally read a book.
((Adjective)) + ((Noun)) an occasional sth. That was an occasional mistake.
Similar Words
Synonyms: manchmal (sometimes), ab und zu (now and then); Antonyms: oft (often), immer (always)
Etymology
Derived from 'Gelegenheit' (opportunity, occasion). It means 'on occasion' or 'when the opportunity arises'.
Memory Tips
Connect it to the English word 'occasion'. 'Gelegentlich' happens on an 'occasion', which means not all the time, but sometimes.