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Occurred: meaning, definitions and examples

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occurred

 

[əˈkɜrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

events happening

The verb 'occurred' is the past tense of the verb 'occur', which means to take place or happen. It is often used to describe events that have transpired in the past. The word can refer to anything from simple occurrences, like a birthday party, to more significant events, such as natural disasters. It's commonly used in various contexts, including academic, formal, and everyday conversation.

Synonyms

arose, came about, happened, took place.

Examples of usage

  • The accident occurred late at night.
  • A strange phenomenon occurred during the experiment.
  • The meeting occurred as scheduled.
  • Many changes occurred in the company last year.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'occurrere', meaning 'to run to' or 'to happen'.
  • In the 14th century, the term began being used in Middle English, reflecting both its Latin roots and its evolving meaning.
  • It has a variant, 'occur', which is commonly used in everyday speech but conveys the same idea as 'occurred'.

Science

  • In psychology, researchers study the occurrence of events to understand patterns in behavior.
  • In statistics, the frequency with which events occurred helps scientists identify trends or make predictions.
  • Natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, occur based on tectonic plate movements and can be measured and predicted to some degree.

Cultural References

  • In literature, occurrences often drive the plot forward; characters may face unexpected challenges.
  • Many films highlight critical moments where something significant occurred, shaping characters’ futures.
  • Art movements often reflect occurrences in society, such as wars or technological advances that inspire creativity.

Pop Culture

  • In song lyrics, occurrences are often referenced to signify moments of love, loss, or emotional change.
  • Reality shows frequently focus on occurrences among cast members to create drama or tension.
  • Memes and jokes often revolve around funny occurrences in everyday life, capturing shared experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,148, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.