inadvertently

UK: ˌɪnədˈvɜːtəntli | US: ˌɪnədˈvɜːrtəntli

Definition

  1. adv. without intention or awareness; unintentionally

Structure
in <not>advert <turn attention>ent <adjective suffix>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "inadvertently" traces back to Latin roots. The prefix "in-" negates the following morpheme, while "advert" derives from the Latin "advertere" (to turn toward, notice). The suffix "-ent" forms adjectives, and "-ly" converts it into an adverb. Over time, the sense of "not turning attention" evolved into "unintentionally."

Examples

  1. She inadvertently left her keys on the kitchen counter.

  2. The email was sent inadvertently before the draft was finished.

  3. He inadvertently offended his colleague with an offhand remark.

  4. The switch was flipped inadvertently during the maintenance check.

  5. The document was deleted inadvertently due to a system error.