accidental

CEFRC1

/ˌæk.sɪˈdɛn.tl̩/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Happening unexpectedly and not planned.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Adjusted by one or two semitones, in temporary departure from the key signature.

Examples

  • Unfortunately, Apple doesn't provide a warranty for accidental damages.

  • Columbus' discovery of America was accidental.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Pertaining to accident and not essence; thus, inessential; incidental; secondary.

  2. Nonessential to something's inherent nature (especially in Aristotelian thought).

  3. Occurring sometimes, by chance; occasional.

More examples

In context

  • That discovery was quite accidental.

  • He was killed by an accidental gunshot.

  • The discovery was purely accidental.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

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The scientist made an blank discovery while testing a different hypothesis.

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Nearby

Origin

adjective

From Middle English accidental, from Anglo-Norman accidentel, Middle French accidentel, accidental, and their source, Late Latin accidēntālis; corresponding to accident + -al.