accidentally

[ ak-si-den-tl-ee ]

adverb

1. by chance or mistake; in a way that is not planned or intended:

   If you break your key, whether accidentally or on purpose, there is a $40 charge to replace it.

2. in a nonessential or subsidiary way; incidentally:

   Philosophy is essentially a vocation, and only accidentally a profession.

Other Words From

• non·ac·ci·den·tal·ly adverb
• pre·ac·ci·den·tal·ly adverb
• pseu·do·ac·ci·den·tal·ly adverb
• qua·si-ac·ci·den·tal·ly adverb
• un·ac·ci·den·tal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of accidentally¹

accidental ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

A genetic mutation is like accidentally replacing one ingredient with something completely different -- for example, using sawdust instead of flour.

From Science Daily

His research shows that around 1900, when the U.S. started to issue birth certificates, the number of centenarians aged 110 or older dropped sharply—presumably because people had been misrecording their age, whether on purpose or accidentally.

From Science Magazine

‘The Voice’ winner Sundance Head was airlifted to a Texas hospital Friday after his pistol accidentally discharged, sending a bullet into his stomach.

From Los Angeles Times

Hutchins died three years ago when she was accidentally shot during the production of the Alec Baldwin-led western movie in New Mexico.

From Salon

Set in 1882 in Wyoming, Rust tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who is sentenced to be hanged after he accidentally kills a rancher.

From BBC

Related Words

• unintentionally
• unwittingly