Unintentionally: meaning, definitions and examples
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unintentionally
[ ˌʌnɪnˈtɛnʃənəli ]
inadvertently
In a way that is not deliberate or intentional.
Synonyms
accidentally, inadvertently, unwittingly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unintentionally |
This word is used when someone does something without planning or meaning to. It implies a lack of intention or purpose.
|
| inadvertently |
This word is best for formal or written contexts where an action occurs as an unexpected result of another action. It indicates a lack of intention or awareness.
|
| accidentally |
Use this word when something happens by chance or mistake, often used in everyday situations where an unintended action occurs.
|
| unwittingly |
Use this word when someone does something without knowing or realizing it. It often has a connotation of innocence or ignorance.
|
Examples of usage
- She unintentionally offended him with her comment.
- He unintentionally left his keys at home.
- They unintentionally booked two tickets for the same show.
Translations
Translations of the word "unintentionally" in other languages:
🇵🇹 involuntariamente
🇮🇳 अनजाने में (Anjāne mein)
🇩🇪 unabsichtlich
🇮🇩 tidak sengaja
🇺🇦 ненавмисно
🇵🇱 nieumyślnie
🇯🇵 偶然に (Gūzen ni)
🇫🇷 involontairement
🇪🇸 involuntariamente
🇹🇷 istemeden
🇰🇷 무심코 (Musimko)
🇸🇦 بدون قصد (Bidun qasd)
🇨🇿 neúmyslně
🇸🇰 neúmyselne
🇨🇳 无意 (Wú yì)
🇸🇮 nenamerno
🇮🇸 óvart
🇰🇿 байқамай
🇬🇪 გაუცნობიერებლად (Gauts'nobiereblad)
🇦🇿 qəsdən olmayan
🇲🇽 involuntariamente
Etymology
The word 'unintentionally' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'intentionally' which comes from the word 'intentional' meaning 'done on purpose'. The concept of unintentionally doing something has been recognized for centuries as part of human behavior, acknowledging that not all actions are deliberate or planned.
See also: intend, intended, intending, intentionally, intentioned, superintendent, unintended.