What is accident? Pronunciation and usage in English

accident means . Learn how to pronounce and use accident through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of accident

accidentnoun

/ˈaksɪd(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of accident

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "accident" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables: ak-ci-dent

2. Sounds:

  • ak: Pronounced like "ack" – a short, sharp "ah" sound as in "back."
  • ci: Pronounced like "see" – a clear "s" sound.
  • dent: This is the tricky part! It sounds like "dent" as in the word "dentist." The "t" is very pronounced.

3. Putting it Together:

So, it sounds like: ack-see-dent

4. Emphasis:

The primary stress (the strongest part of the word) falls on the first syllable: "ack."

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce accident" on Google and it will usually have a playback button.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/accident/ – This website has recordings of the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.
  • YouTube: Many pronunciation videos are available on YouTube (search for "how to pronounce accident").

Tips for learners:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "i" sound in "ci." It's a quick, almost silent "s" sound.
  • Practice slowly at first. Get the syllables right before speeding up.
  • Listen to native speakers! Imitate their pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using “accident”?

Usage and examples with the word accident in English

Let's break down how to use the word "accident" in English. It's a really common word, but it can have different nuances depending on the context.

1. Basic Definition: An Unintentional Event

At its core, "accident" refers to an unplanned, unintentional event—usually something negative.

  • Example: "There was a car accident on the highway this morning." (A collision between vehicles)
  • Example: "I had a terrible accident at work yesterday - I spilled coffee all over a client's document." (An unfortunate mishap)

2. Different Types of Accidents

The word "accident" is used for many different kinds of events. Here's a breakdown of common categories:

  • Traffic Accidents: (Car crashes, bike accidents, pedestrian accidents) – This is probably the most common usage.
  • Workplace Accidents: (Slips, trips, falls, machinery malfunctions, injuries) – Accidents that happen while someone is working.
  • Household Accidents: (Burns, cuts, falls, poisoning) – Accidents that happen at home.
  • Natural Accidents: (Floods, earthquakes, landslides) – Events caused by nature that are unexpected and harmful.
  • Accidents of Fate/Chance: (Sometimes used more metaphorically to describe something bad happening unexpectedly, without a specific cause.) - "It was an accident of fate that we met."
  • Accidents (of the stomach/bladder): (A euphemism for needing to go to the bathroom urgently – often used in formal situations)

3. Grammar & Usage

  • As a Noun: This is the most common usage – “a car accident,” “an accident at work.”
  • As a Verb: "The accident caused significant damage." (meaning “The event resulted in significant damage.”)
  • "Have an accident": This is a common idiom meaning “to have an unfortunate mishap.” "I had an accident with a ladder and broke my arm."

4. Important Considerations & Related Phrases

  • "Lucky accident": When something good happens unexpectedly. “Finding that antique necklace was a lucky accident.”
  • "To be involved in an accident": Means to participate in or be connected with an accident. "He was involved in a traffic accident."
  • "Investigation of an accident": When authorities look into the cause of an accident to determine what happened and why.
  • "Accident-prone": Describes someone who frequently has accidents. “She’s accident-prone, so she always wears a helmet when cycling.”
  • "Prevent an accident": To take steps to avoid an accident happening. “Safety training can help prevent accidents.”

5. Formal vs. Informal

  • Formal: "The incident resulted in injuries to several personnel." (More formal way of saying “There was a workplace accident.”)
  • Informal: "I messed up and had a bit of an accident with the printer." (Casual way of saying “I made a mistake and spilled ink on the printer.”)

Resources for more information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "accident"? (e.g., write a story, explain a situation, talk about something you experienced?)

Synonyms for the word accident

Idioms of the word accident

an accident/a disaster waiting to happen
a thing or person that is very likely to cause danger or a problem in the future because of the condition it is in or the way they behave
  • Any one of these nuclear plants may be a disaster waiting to happen.
accidents will happen
people say accidents will happen to tell somebody who has had an accident, for example breaking something, that it does not matter and they should not worry
    by accident
    in a way that is not planned or organized
    • We met by accident at the airport.
    • Helen got into acting purely by accident.
    • It happened, whether by accident or design, that Steve and I were the last two people to leave.
    a chapter of accidents
    (British English)a series of unpleasant events caused by bad luck
    • The whole affair has been a chapter of accidents from start to finish.

    Practice with vocabulary accident

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The car crash was a terrible __________ that left several people injured.
    2. She was late because of an _________ on the highway that caused a massive traffic jam.
    3. He didn’t mean to break the vase; it was a complete __________.
    4. The fire was caused by a __________ in the electrical wiring, not negligence.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. What word describes an unintended event that causes harm or damage?
      a) Incident
      b) Accident
      c) Mistake
      d) Error

    2. Which of the following is not a synonym for "accident"?
      a) Mishap
      b) Disaster
      c) Coincidence
      d) Blunder

    3. The spillage of chemicals was a serious __________.
      a) Incident
      b) Accident
      c) Event
      d) Happening

    4. What term is used for a minor but unexpected issue?
      a) Misunderstanding
      b) Accident
      c) Glitch
      d) Misstep

    5. Which word best fits this sentence: "The __________ was investigated thoroughly to determine the cause"?
      a) Accident
      b) Incident
      c) Mistake
      d) Error

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The collision was unintended and caused significant damage.
      → The _________ was unintended and caused significant damage.

    2. She slipped on the wet floor and hurt her arm.
      → Her fall was a result of an __________ on the wet floor.

    3. The explosion was due to a technical failure in the machinery.
      → The explosion occurred because of a ________ in the machinery.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. accident
    2. accident
    3. accident
    4. fault

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) Accident
    2. c) Coincidence
    3. b) Accident
    4. c) Glitch
    5. a) Accident

    Exercise 3:

    1. The accident was unintended and caused significant damage.
    2. Her fall was a result of an accident on the wet floor.
    3. The explosion occurred because of a fault in the machinery.

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