accidental

UK: ˌæksɪˈdɛnt(ə)l | US: ˌæksɪˈdɛn(t)l

Definition

  1. adj. happening by chance or without intention

  2. adj. incidental; secondary

  3. n. (music) a note foreign to the key signature

Structure
accident <event/chance>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin accidens (present participle of accidere, "to happen"), combining ad- (toward) + cadere (to fall). The morpheme accident originally implied "an event that befalls" (literally "to fall toward"), later narrowing to mean "unplanned occurrence." The suffix -al (from Latin -alis) forms adjectives, giving accidental its modern sense of "resulting from chance." The musical term (mid-17th century) reflects notes "falling outside" the expected scale.

Examples

  1. The fire was purely accidental, caused by faulty wiring.

  2. She discovered the ancient ruins through an accidental detour.

  3. His role in the project was accidental rather than planned.

  4. The composer used an accidental to modulate the melody.

  5. Accidental damage is not covered by the warranty.