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Accident Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accident

[หˆรฆksษชdษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

road

An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.

Synonyms

collision, incident, mishap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accident

A general term for an unexpected event, often causing damage or injury. Commonly used for car crashes or other unplanned events.

  • He was late because of a car accident.
  • There was an accident in the factory.
incident

A neutral term that refers to any event or occurrence, often used for minor or non-damaging events. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • There was a security incident at the office.
  • The incident at the party was quickly resolved.
mishap

Refers to a minor accident or unlucky event, often causing inconvenience rather than serious damage.

  • I had a little mishap while cooking dinner.
  • The trip went smoothly except for a small mishap with our luggage.
collision

Specifically refers to two or more objects hitting each other, often used in the context of vehicles.

  • The collision between the two cars caused a traffic jam.
  • There was a collision between a truck and a bus on the highway.

Examples of usage

  • She had an accident on the way to work.
  • The car crash was a terrible accident.
  • He slipped and fell, it was an accident.
Context #2 | Noun

workplace

An event that is not planned or intended and that causes damage or injury at a workplace.

Synonyms

incident, incident, mishap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accident

Used to describe an unexpected event, often resulting in damage or injury. This term is often used in the context of traffic collisions or workplace injuries.

  • He was involved in a car accident last night.
  • The factory reported an accident that injured three workers.
incident

Refers to a specific event or occurrence, particularly one that is unusual or noteworthy. It can be either positive or negative but is often used for significant events that need to be reported or investigated.

  • The incident at the mall caused a lot of concern among shoppers.
  • There was an incident at the school involving two students.
mishap

Describes a small or minor accident, often resulting in inconvenience rather than serious harm. This term usually carries a lighter, sometimes amusing connotation.

  • Despite the mishap with the cake, the party was a success.
  • A mishap with the luggage delayed their trip by a few hours.

Examples of usage

  • The factory had an accident last week.
  • Safety measures are important to prevent accidents at work.
Context #3 | Noun

general

An unfortunate event resulting from carelessness or lack of intention.

Synonyms

mishap, mishap, mishap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accident

This term is used to describe an unexpected event that results in harm or damage. It is often used in formal contexts such as reports, news, and legal documents.

  • The accident on the highway caused a major traffic jam.
  • She had a minor accident at work but fortunately wasn't seriously injured.
mishap

This word is used to refer to minor, unfortunate events that are not as severe as accidents. It often has a slightly less serious connotation and can be used in more casual contexts.

  • There was a little mishap in the kitchen, but the dinner turned out fine.
  • Despite a few mishaps during the trip, they had a great time overall.

Examples of usage

  • The accident could have been avoided with more caution.
  • She had an accident while cooking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term has been featured in many movies and songs, often symbolizing unexpected twists in stories.
  • Famous phrases like 'accidents happen' remind us that life is unpredictable and can lead to surprising outcomes.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people often underestimate the likelihood of accidents happening to themselves.
  • Cognitive biases can lead individuals to believe they are less susceptible to accidents than others, impacting their safety behaviors.

Safety Statistics

  • According to global health statistics, accidents are a leading cause of injury and death worldwide.
  • Road traffic accidents account for a significant number of fatalities, highlighting the importance of safety regulations.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of fate and chance, often using accidents as pivotal plot devices.
  • William Shakespeare's plays frequently include accidents that lead to unexpected dramatic outcomes, showcasing their role in human experiences.

Origin of 'accident'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'accidere,' meaning 'to happen' or 'to fall upon.'
  • In Middle English, it was used to refer to something that occurred by chance or without intention.

The word 'accident' originated from the Latin word 'accidens', meaning 'falling, befalling, happening by chance'. It entered the English language in the 14th century with the sense of 'an event that takes place without one's foresight or expectation'. Over time, its meaning expanded to include various unexpected and unintended incidents causing harm or damage.

See also: accidental, accidentally.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,990, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.