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accidentally
/əkˈsɪdəntli/
without intention or plan
I accidentally deleted the important file.
I deleted the file without meaning to; it was not a deliberate action.
general
Happening by chance or without intention; not planned or deliberate.
She accidentally locked her keys inside the car.
She locked the keys inside without intending to do so.
He accidentally revealed the surprise party plans.
He let the secret out without meaning to.
Used to describe actions or events that occur without prior planning or conscious intent. It often implies a mistake or an unintended consequence.
Collocations
accidentally deleteto remove a file/data without meaning toaccidentally breakto damage something without intentionaccidentally meetto encounter someone by chance
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Intent vs. Outcome
Use 'accidentally' when the focus is on the lack of intent behind an action, even if the outcome was negative. It helps clarify that you did not mean to cause harm or error.
Gold Rule
Adverb Placement
Place 'accidentally' before the main verb it modifies (e.g., 'I accidentally broke it') or after the verb 'to be' (e.g., 'It was accidentally deleted').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'accidentel', from Old French 'accidentel', from Latin 'accidentalis', derived from 'accidens' (happening, event), from 'accidere' (to happen, fall upon).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in everyday speech to excuse mistakes or describe unexpected events. It modifies verbs to indicate lack of intent.
Word Breakdown
accident
an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally
root-ally
suffix forming adverbs from adjectives
suffixEnglish Dictionary