Incidence

Definition

The occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or other undesirable thing.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnsɪdəns/
• Respelling: IN-si-duhns (with "IN" as in "tin," "si" as in "sit," and "duhns" as in "cushions")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnsɪdəns/
• Respelling: IN-si-duhns (with "IN" as in "tin," "si" as in "sit," and "duhns" as in "cushions")

In both dialects, "incidence" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "IN-si-duhns."

Etymology

The term "incidence" is derived from the Latin word "incidere", which translates to "to fall upon, befall." It came into English usage in the 14th century and originally referred to the act of falling upon or against something. By the 17th century, its usage expanded to describe the occurrence or frequency of an event.

Derivatives

• Incident (noun)
• Incidental (adjective)
• Incidentally (adverb)
• Incidence angle (noun)
• Incidency (noun)

Synonyms

• Occurrence
• Frequency
• Rate

Antonyms

None

Usage

"Incidence" is used to describe the rate or frequency at which a particular event, often a disease or other significant occurrence, happens within a specified population and period.

Related Terms

• Prevalence
• Ratio
• Mortality rate
• Morbidity
• Statistic

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Incidence (Rate of Occurrence): The rate or frequency at which a disease or other significant event occurs in a population within a specified period.
  • Example: "The incidence of diabetes has been increasing globally over the past decade."

• Incidence (Physics): The arrival of a beam of light or other radiation at a surface.
  • Example: "The angle of incidence determines the angle of reflection."

Note: While "incidence" and "prevalence" both refer to the occurrence of an event in a population, "incidence" focuses on the number of new cases over a period, while "prevalence" looks at all cases (both new and existing) in a population at a specific time.