Accident

Definition

Accident is a noun that refers to an unplanned or unexpected event, often resulting in damage, injury, or harm. It can also mean a chance occurrence or an unintentional event.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈæksɪdənt/
• Respelling: AK-si-duhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈæksɪdənt/
• Respelling: AK-si-duhnt

Etymology

The word "accident" originates from the Latin term "accidens," meaning "a happening," from "accidere," which means "to happen" or "to fall upon." It entered English in the late 14th century, primarily denoting an unforeseen occurrence.

Derivatives

• Accidental (adjective)
• Accidentally (adverb)
• Accidence (noun)
• Incidental (adjective)
• Incidence (noun)

Synonyms

• Incident
• Mishap
• Occurrence

Antonyms

• Intentionality
• Plan
• Deliberation

Usage

The noun "accident" is commonly used to refer to an unexpected event that causes harm or damage, such as "The car accident blocked the highway for hours," or "She arrived at the party by accident, not knowing it was private."

Related Terms

• Incident: An event or occurrence, typically negative or disruptive.
• Casualty: A person injured or killed in an accident or disaster.
• Unintentional: Not done on purpose or by plan.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An unexpected and undesirable event, often resulting in harm or damage: Describes an unplanned incident with negative outcomes.
  • Example: "The construction site was temporarily closed after an accident occurred."
• An occurrence due to chance or without deliberate cause: Refers to something happening without intentional cause or planning.
  • Example: "They met by accident at the cafe."