Occurrence: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "occurrence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ocorrência

🇮🇳 घटना

🇩🇪 Ereignis

🇮🇩 kejadian

🇺🇦 випадок

🇵🇱 wydarzenie

🇯🇵 出来事(できごと)

🇫🇷 événement

🇪🇸 ocurrencia

🇹🇷 olay

🇰🇷 사건

🇸🇦 حدوث

🇨🇿 výskyt

🇸🇰 výskyt

🇨🇳 事件

🇸🇮 dogodek

🇮🇸 atburður

🇰🇿 оқиға

🇬🇪 შემთხვევა

🇦🇿 hadisə

🇲🇽 ocurrencia

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.