Accidentally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฆโโ๏ธ
accidentally
[หรฆksษชหdentษli ]
Definitions
involuntary mistake
Happening by chance or unexpectedly; not on purpose.
Synonyms
inadvertently, unintentionally, unwittingly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accidentally |
When something happens by chance or mistake, often used in everyday situations.
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| unintentionally |
When an action occurs without a deliberate plan, emphasizing the lack of intention, often used in a slightly more formal context.
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| inadvertently |
When something happens without intention, often in a context showing lack of awareness, can sound more formal.
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| unwittingly |
When something is done without realizing or knowing, often implying ignorance or lack of awareness, can sometimes have a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He accidentally bumped into the table.
- She accidentally deleted the important files.
unexpectedly
By accident; in a way that is not planned or intended.
Synonyms
by chance, by mistake, unexpectedly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accidentally |
This is used when something happens without intention or planning, usually because of an error or oversight.
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| by chance |
This phrase is used when something happens in a random manner, often without any intention or planning. It can sometimes imply a positive result.
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| by mistake |
This phrase is best used when someone does something wrong unintentionally. It often indicates an error.
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| unexpectedly |
This is used to describe an event that happens without warning or anticipation. It can be neutral, positive, or negative.
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Examples of usage
- She accidentally discovered the hidden treasure.
- He accidentally stumbled upon the solution to the puzzle.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Everyday Life
- Many common mishaps, like spilling a drink or breaking a vase, happen accidentally during our busy lives.
- Research shows that accidents are often caused by distractions, emphasizing the importance of focus.
- Even in cooking, we sometimes create delicious meals by mixing ingredients inadvertently!
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, many comedic situations arise from characters making accidental mistakes that lead to funny outcomes.
- The term has been used in popular songs where the theme revolves around unexpected love or situations.
- Famous cartoons often play on the idea of characters accidentally causing chaos, leading to humorous adventures.
Psychology
- Studies indicate that feelings of guilt can arise even from accidental actions, highlighting our social awareness.
- Approaches like mindfulness emphasize the importance of being present to reduce accidental mistakes.
- Behavioral psychologists often explore how accidents can lead to learning opportunities, altering our perceptions.
Literature
- In novels, accidental discoveries often serve as catalysts for character development or plot twists.
- Many classic stories feature protagonists whose accidental actions set off a chain of events, leading to significant change.
- Authors sometimes use the theme of accidents to convey deeper messages about fate or chance.
Origin of 'accidentally'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'accidens', meaning 'falling upon' or 'happening,' reflecting the idea of unexpected events.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, evolving to describe events that occur without intention.
- In Old French, 'accidental' also conveyed the notion of something being unplanned, which has influenced its modern use.
The word 'accidentally' originates from the Middle English word 'accidentall', which means 'happening by chance'. It is derived from the Latin word 'accidentalis', from 'accidens' meaning 'happening', from the verb 'accidere' meaning 'to befall'. The concept of accidental events has been recognized throughout history, with various philosophical and scientific discussions on the nature of chance and randomness.
See also: accident, accidental.