accidentally
adverbcommon in dialogue
- //ˌæk.sɪˈdɛnt(ə)li//
In an accidental manner; by chance, unexpectedly.
adverb
- 1
In an accidental manner; by chance, unexpectedly.
He discovered penicillin largely accidentally.
For quotations using this term, see Citations:accidentally.
- 2
Unintentionally.
He accidentally exposed the bacteria to mold spores.
As I arrived at the foot of the hill I overtook two ladies, whom I passed. As I did so, I brushed one of them accidently on the arm.
Robins, of Torquay, had denied a single charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. She claimed the microwave was accidentally turned on by one of the cats after the kitten got inside. But Knutton said the kitten was too small to even get onto the work surface.
Etymology
Etymology tree English accidental Proto-Indo-European *leyg-der. Proto-Germanic *līkąder. Proto-Germanic *-līkaz Proto-Germanic *-ê Proto-Germanic *-līkê Proto-West Germanic *-līkē Old English -līċe Middle English -ly English -ly English accidentally From accidental + -ly.
Forms
- comparative
- more accidentally
- superlative
- most accidentally
accidentally · In an accidental manner; by chance, unexpectedly.
accommodate · To render fit, suitable, or correspondent; to adapt.accommodation · Lodging in a dwelling or similar living quarters afforded to…accommodations · accommodation, lodging