Accidentally: meaning, definitions and examples

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accidentally

[ˌæksɪˈdentəli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

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. I accidentally spilled coffee on my shirt. He accidentally dropped his phone.
unintentionally	When an action occurs without a deliberate plan, emphasizing the lack of intention, often used in a slightly more formal context. He unintentionally hurt her feelings. The remark was unintentionally offensive.
inadvertently	When something happens without intention, often in a context showing lack of awareness, can sound more formal. She inadvertently left her keys at home. The company inadvertently released confidential information.
unwittingly	When something is done without realizing or knowing, often implying ignorance or lack of awareness, can sometimes have a negative connotation. She unwittingly revealed the surprise. He unwittingly became involved in illegal activities.

Examples of usage

He accidentally bumped into the table.
She accidentally deleted the important files.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

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. She accidentally spilled the coffee on her dress. I accidentally deleted the important file.
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. We met by chance at the airport. I found the missing earring by chance while cleaning.
by mistake	This phrase is best used when someone does something wrong unintentionally. It often indicates an error. He sent the message to the wrong person by mistake. I took your keys by mistake.
unexpectedly	This is used to describe an event that happens without warning or anticipation. It can be neutral, positive, or negative. She showed up at the party unexpectedly. The meeting was canceled unexpectedly.

Examples of usage

She accidentally discovered the hidden treasure.
He accidentally stumbled upon the solution to the puzzle.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "accidentally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acidentalmente

🇮🇳 गलती से

🇩🇪 versehentlich

🇮🇩 secara tidak sengaja

🇺🇦 випадково

🇵🇱 przypadkowo

🇯🇵 偶然に

🇫🇷 accidentellement

🇪🇸 accidentalmente

🇹🇷 kazara

🇰🇷 우연히

🇸🇦 عن طريق الخطأ

🇨🇿 náhodou

🇸🇰 náhodou

🇨🇳 偶然

🇸🇮 nenamerno

🇮🇸 óvart

🇰🇿 кездейсоқ

🇬🇪 შემთხვევით

🇦🇿 təsadüfən

🇲🇽 accidentalmente

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,253 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9250 seniority
9251 surround
9252 signify
9253 accidentally
9254 molten
9255 guardians
9256 fortified
...