accident
Il a eu un accident de voiture hier.
He had a car accident yesterday.
An unexpected event causing damage or injury
L'accident a eu lieu dans la rue principale.
The accident happened on the main street.
Elle a évité l'accident de justesse.
She narrowly avoided the accident.
Can refer to any unintended harmful event, not just traffic-related.
In law, an unforeseen event causing loss or injury
L'accident du travail doit être déclaré.
The workplace accident must be reported.
Often used in legal or insurance contexts.
Collocations
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Gender and article
'Accident' is a masculine noun in French. Always use 'un' (a) or 'le' (the) before it, e.g., *un accident grave* (a serious accident).
Gold Rule
Context matters
In everyday speech, 'accident' usually refers to a traffic or workplace incident. In formal contexts, it can mean any unforeseen harmful event.
Word Origin
From Latin *accidens* (accident, chance event), present participle of *accidere* (to happen, befall), from *ad-* (to) + *cadere* (to fall).
Usage Notes
In French, 'accident' is masculine and often used with 'de' (e.g., *un accident de voiture*). The phrase *par accident* means 'by chance' or 'accidentally.'