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adv. 1. One time only: once a day. 2. At one time in the past; formerly. 3. At any time; ever: Once known, his face is never forgotten. 4. By one degree of relationship: my first cousin once removed. n. A single occurrence; one time: Once will have to do. You can go just this once. conj. As soon as; if ever; when: Once he goes, we can clean up. adj. Idioms: Having been formerly; former: the once capital of the nation. at once 1. All at one time; simultaneously: Everything happened at once. The view of the skyline is at once awesome, grand, and disappointing. 2. Immediately; instantly: Leave the room at once. once more/again 1. Another time; again: Could you repeat yourself once more? 2. As usual; in typical fashion: Once more, you've proven yourself inept at chess. [Middle English ones, from on, one, from Old English ān; see oi-no- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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