accidentally
adv.-
1 without meaning to (adv.) B1 Intermediateby mistake or without planning it.
unintentionally or by mistake; describes an action performed without deliberate purpose.
ExampleI accidentally deleted the email while I was trying to move it to a folder.
ExampleThe witness accidentally revealed the location of the safe house during the cross-examination, much to the frustration of the legal team.
UsageUsually placed before the main verb or at the end of a clause.
- deliberately
- intentionally
- on purpose
PitfallI accidently broke the glass.I accidentally broke the glass.A common spelling mistake is to forget the 'al' in the middle. Remember: accident + al + ly.
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2 by chance (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatehappening by luck or chance rather than being planned.
occurring by chance or unexpected coincidence rather than design.
ExampleWe met accidentally at the train station after not seeing each other for years.
ExampleThe researchers accidentally discovered the new compound while they were investigating a completely unrelated chemical reaction.
- fortuitously
- by chance
- calculatedly
From accidental + -ly.