accidence
n. uncountablen. the study of how words change their form to show different things, like tense or number. It is the part of grammar that deals with how words are spelled and how they end.
n. the branch of grammar concerned with the inflection of words, particularly the change of form to indicate grammatical category. Often contrasted with syntax, which deals with the arrangement of words into phrases and sentences.
The teacher explained the rules of accidence in the grammar lesson.
In many European languages, the study of accidence is essential for mastering the complex system of verb conjugations and noun declensions.
While modern linguistics often focuses on syntax and semantics, the traditional study of accidence remains vital for understanding the historical development of inflected languages like Latin or Greek.
* First attested in the late 14th century. * (grammar): First attested in the mid 15th century. * From Middle English accidence, accidens, from Latin accidentia (“accidental matters”), from accidēns, present participle of accidere (“to happen”)