1. Definition of “Accident”
“Accident” is a noun that refers to an unexpected and unplanned event, often one that causes damage, injury, or harm. For example, “He had a car accident on his way to work.” It can also mean a chance occurrence or something that happens without intention. For instance, “Meeting her at the party was a happy accident.”
2. Synonyms
- Mishap
- “Mishap” also means an unlucky accident or an unfortunate incident. For example, “The hiker had a few mishaps during his trek, like losing his way and spraining his ankle.” It is very similar to “accident” and often implies a minor or relatively less - severe event. However, “mishap” has a connotation of something that could have been avoided with a bit more care or luck, while “accident” can cover a wide range of unexpected events, including more serious ones.
- Incident
- “Incident” refers to an event or occurrence, especially one that is of some significance or that might lead to other consequences. For example, “The police were called to investigate the incident that happened outside the store.” It is a broader term than “accident” and can include both accidental and intentional events. When it is used to mean an accident, it often emphasizes the fact that something happened, without necessarily focusing on the accidental nature as much as the “accident” does.
- Casualty
- As a noun, “casualty” can refer to a person who is killed or injured in an accident or war. For example, “There were several casualties in the train accident.” It is related to “accident” in the sense that it represents the result of an accident. However, it specifically focuses on the people affected, while “accident” refers to the event itself.
- Fortuity
- “Fortuity” means a chance or accidental occurrence, usually a lucky one. For example, “Winning the lottery was a fortuity that changed his life.” It is similar to the second meaning of “accident” (a chance occurrence), but it has a more positive connotation. While “accident” can be either positive or negative, “fortuity” is typically used to describe a fortunate and unexpected event.