ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inadvertently

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnædˈvɝtəntɫi// UK //ɪnɐdvˈɜːtəntli// in·ad·ver·tent·ly

adv. by accident or without meaning to. You use this when you do something because you are not paying attention, not because you planned it.

adv. without intention; through a lack of attention or care. Often modifies verbs related to communication or physical actions.


SIMPLE

I inadvertently deleted the wrong file.

CONTEXTUAL

During the meeting, the manager inadvertently revealed the secret plans for the new office location.

COMPLEX

By failing to update the security software, the technician inadvertently left the entire network vulnerable to external attacks for several weeks.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From inadvertent + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.

Pitfall

He did it inadvertentHe did it inadvertentlyLearners often use the adjective form 'inadvertent' when the adverbial form is required to modify an action.

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