Occurrence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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occurrence

[əˈkərəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

statistical data analysis

The frequency of an event or phenomenon in a given time frame or population.

Synonyms

frequency, incidence, instance.

Examples of usage

  • Occurrences of a specific gene mutation were recorded in the study.
  • The occurrence of natural disasters has increased in recent years.
Context #2 | Noun

general usage

An instance of something happening or existing.

Synonyms

event, happening, incident.

Examples of usage

  • She described the strange occurrence that happened last night.
  • There was a rare occurrence of snow in the desert.
Context #3 | Noun

philosophy

The actuality or fact of happening without any apparent cause.

Synonyms

manifestation, phenomenon.

Examples of usage

  • The philosopher pondered the occurrence of random events in the universe.
  • There was debate about the occurrence of free will in a deterministic world.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In statistics, an occurrence can refer to the frequency of events in a dataset, helping researchers analyze data patterns.
  • The term is often used in biology when discussing the occurrence of species, which refers to how often and where a species can be found.
  • Occurrence is crucial in fields like geology, where it denotes events like earthquakes occurring in certain locations over time.

Literature

  • In storytelling, unique occurrences drive plots and character development, often leading to critical moments in narratives.
  • Writers sometimes use occurrences symbolically to represent larger themes, such as change or fate in a character’s journey.
  • Classic works often hinge on specific occurrences that reveal deeper truths about human nature and society.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, particularly thrillers, a dramatic occurrence often shifts the storyline, escalating suspense and viewer engagement.
  • Song lyrics frequently mention special occurrences to convey emotions, turning ordinary moments into relatable experiences.
  • Social media has created new occurrences in communication, drumming up viral trends and challenges that spread rapidly.

Psychology

  • The perception of occurrences influences human behavior and decision-making, as people tend to notice patterns around them.
  • Psychological studies examine occurrences of habits or behaviors, contributing to our understanding of routine in daily life.
  • Occurrences affecting mood can lead to discussions in psychology about the impact of environment and events on mental health.

Origin of 'occurrence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'occurrere,' meaning 'to run to, happen,' combining 'ob-' (against) and 'currere' (to run).
  • First used in English in the late 15th century, the term has evolved in its application throughout the centuries.
  • In Old French, it appeared as 'occurrence,' demonstrating an early exchange and integration of linguistic roots into English.

The word 'occurrence' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'occurrence', meaning 'meeting, confrontation'. It has been used in English to describe events or instances of things happening since then.


See also: occur, occurrences.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,970, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.