adj · adv · intj · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
Received-Pronunciation:/əv ˈkɔːs/
General-American:/əv ˈkɔɹs/
/əv ˈkoə(ɹ)s/without the horse–hoarse merger
Australia:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
Mid-Atlantic, US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
1
adj
Meaning 1
That is part of ordinary behaviour or custom; customary, natural.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Qualifier: now rare except in matter of course
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adv
Meaning 2
In due course; as a matter of course; as a natural result.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic, not-comparable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adv
Meaning 3
Naturally; as would be expected; for obvious reasons, obviously.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable
Examples
Of course I know that!
You will of course surrender all your future rights to the property.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: naturally, indisputably
Antonyms: none provided
4
intj
Meaning 4
Indicates enthusiastic agreement.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Will you come with me? — Of course!
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: absolutely, certainly
Antonyms: none provided
5
intj
Meaning 5
Used to acknowledge thanks; ritual reply to thank you.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Thank you! — Of course!
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: no problem, you're welcome
Antonyms: none provided
6
adverb
Meaning 6
as might be expected
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
naturally, the lawyer sent us a huge bill
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: naturally, course
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
No etymology was provided for this word.
Across languages
Translations
239 source translations are retained for this English entry.