Accident Meaning
Accident Definition & Usage
An unexpected event or occurrence, often resulting in harm, damage, or loss.
Examples
- "The car accident on Main Street caused significant traffic delays."
- "He had an accident at work and broke his arm."
- "We missed the concert because of an unfortunate accident with the train."
- "The accident left her with a broken leg and a concussion."
- "Accidents like this are rare, but they can happen at any time."
A situation or event that happens by chance or without deliberate intention.
Examples
- "It was just a happy accident that we ran into each other at the café."
- "His success in the competition was an accident—he wasn't even trying to win."
- "I found the perfect gift for you by accident while I was shopping."
- "She accidentally bumped into me, but we ended up talking for hours."
- "The beautiful view from the window was an accident of design."
In philosophy, an accident is an attribute or characteristic that something has but could lack without altering its essence.
Examples
- "The color of the apple is an accident—it could still be an apple if it were green instead of red."
- "Philosophers often discuss whether certain accidents can be changed without affecting the nature of a thing."
- "The accident of the building's height does not change its purpose as a library."
- "In medieval philosophy, accidents were considered secondary qualities, unlike the substance of a thing."
- "The fact that the book was printed on thick paper is an accident, not essential to its being a book."
Cultural Context
The word 'accident' comes from the Latin 'accidens', meaning 'falling upon' or 'happening'. Historically, the term was used to describe events or phenomena that occurred unexpectedly or by chance, and it was later adopted into English with various connotations.
The Unlikely Meeting
Story
The Unlikely Meeting
On a rainy Thursday afternoon, Clara rushed through the crowded city streets, late for her meeting. She barely noticed the puddles forming as she sprinted across the intersection. In the middle of her dash, she slipped and stumbled, colliding into someone else. Startled, she looked up to find a young man holding a coffee cup, equally surprised but thankfully unharmed. "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going!" Clara apologized, quickly checking her watch. The man smiled wryly. "It's okay, no harm done. But that was quite an accident, wasn't it?" Clara laughed nervously, adjusting her coat. "Yes, it was. I guess I’m a walking accident today." The man chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. They exchanged pleasantries, and after a few more awkward moments, they went their separate ways. But just before parting, the man added, "You know, I think this accident might have been a happy one. If you hadn't bumped into me, we wouldn't have had this brief conversation." Clara paused for a moment, considering his words. She smiled, feeling oddly content despite the hectic day. "You're right. Sometimes accidents can lead to good things." With a final wave, they both continued on their paths, each reflecting on how a small, accidental encounter could turn into something pleasant. The incident was a clear reminder that not all accidents were truly negative; some could bring unexpected moments of connection. Clara thought about this as she walked into her meeting, still running late, but now with a smile on her face.
Related Words
