accidentally
adv/ˌæk.sɪˈdɛnt(ə)li/
Etymology From accidental + -ly.
1
In an accidental manner; by chance, unexpectedly.
- He discovered penicillin largely accidentally.
- For quotations using this term, see Citations:accidentally.
2
Unintentionally.
- He accidentally exposed the bacteria to mold spores.
- As I arrived at the foot of the hill I overtook two ladies, whom I passed. As I did so, I brushed one of them accidently on the arm.1899, Knut Hamsun, “Part I”, in George Egerton [pseudonym; Mary Chavelita Dunne Bright], transl., Hunger […], London: Leonard Smithers and Co […], →OCLC, page 15:
1 more example
- Robins, of Torquay, had denied a single charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. She claimed the microwave was accidentally turned on by one of the cats after the kitten got inside. But Knutton said the kitten was too small to even get onto the work surface.2011 December 14, Steven Morris, “Devon woman jailed for 168 days for killing kitten in microwave”, in Alan Rusbridger, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC:
- Synonyms
- accidentally, adventitiously, by accident, by chance, fortuitously, on accident
- Antonyms
- intentionally, deliberately, designedly, on purpose, purposely, advisedly, by choice, by design, advertently, consciously, knowingly, purposefully, selfconsciously, strategically, studiously, volitionally, voluntarily, wilfully, with awareness, wittingly
- Derived terms
- accidentally on purpose