What is accidental? Pronunciation and usage in English

accidental means . Learn how to pronounce and use accidental through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of accidental

accidentaladjective

/ˌaksɪˈdɛntl/
Definition & pronunciation of accidental

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "accidental." It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown, with phonetic approximations:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • Acc: Pronounced like "ak" – as in "apple."
  • i: Pronounced like the "i" in "bit."
  • den: Pronounced like "den" as in "Denny".

2. Putting it Together - A phonetic approximation:

/ˈæk.sɪ.den.təl/

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈæk: Stress is on the first syllable. The "ak" sound is quick and clear.
  • sɪ: A short "s" sound followed by a short "i" sound.
  • den: Pronounced as "den".
  • təl: A short "t" followed by a "l" sound. (nearly silent)

3. Tips for Saying it Correctly:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is clearly on the first syllable ("ak").
  • Flow: It’s a single, flowing word. Don't pause awkwardly between the syllables.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the "c": The "c" in "acc" is silent.

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

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  • Focus on a specific part of the word you find difficult?

Usage and examples with the word accidental in English

Let's break down how to use the word "accidental" in English. It essentially means happening by chance, unintentionally, or without planning. Here's a detailed look at its usage, with examples:

1. Core Meaning:

  • Definition: Occurring by chance rather than design; unintentional.
  • Synonyms: Unintentional, accidental, chance, fortuitous, unplanned.

2. Common Ways to Use It:

  • Describing Events: This is its most frequent use.

    • Example: "I accidentally spilled coffee on my shirt." (It wasn’t deliberate; it just happened.)
    • Example: "The meeting was accidentally cancelled due to a system error." (The cancellation wasn't planned.)

  • Describing Discoveries or Creations: Something found or made unintentionally.

    • Example: "He accidentally invented the stapler while trying to create a safer way to fasten papers." (It wasn't his primary goal.)
    • Example: "The famous painting was accidentally rediscovered in an attic."

  • Describing Mistakes or Errors:

    • Example: "It was an accidental mistake – I simply didn't read the instructions carefully." (It wasn't malicious or deliberate.)
    • Example: "The computer crashed due to an accidental keystroke."

  • Describing Feelings or Actions: Often used to describe a feeling or behavior that wasn't intended.

    • Example: "I accidentally said something rude; I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings." (The hurtful words weren’t planned.)
    • Example: "He accidentally flirted with her, completely unaware of his awkwardness.” (It wasn't a deliberate flirtation.)

3. Grammar & Usage Points:

  • Adjective: "Accidental" is almost always used as an adjective – it describes a noun.

    • Incorrect: "I accidentally spilled." (This is grammatically wrong. You need to describe what you spilled.)
    • Correct: "I accidentally spilled coffee."

  • "Accidentally" as an Adverb: It can also function as an adverb, modifying a verb.

    • Example: "He accidentally tripped over the rug." (The tripping happened by chance.)

  • Distinction from "Chance": While related, “chance” often implies a broader, less specific randomness. "Accidental" often suggests something more directly tied to an action or situation.

4. Phrases Using “Accidental”:

  • Accidental discovery: Finding something unexpectedly.
  • Accidental meeting: Meeting someone unintentionally.
  • Accidental consequences: Unintended results of an action.
  • Accidental mistake: A mistake that was not deliberate.

5. Examples in Context:

  • "The musician's career began accidentally when a recording of his amateur performance went viral online."
  • “There was an accidental collision between the two cars, causing minor damage.”
  • "She accidentally deleted the important file, and now we have to start over."
  • "The rumor spread accidentally through a careless social media post.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, an email, an essay?)
  • Can you provide a sentence or a phrase you're struggling with that includes "accidental"?

Synonyms for the word accidental

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