accidentally

comparative more accidentally · superlative most accidentally · alternative accidently

1. In an accidental manner; by chance, unexpectedly.

   He discovered penicillin largely accidentally.

   1 more example

   For quotations using this term, see Citations:accidentally.

   Synonyms: casually, fortuitously

2. Unintentionally.

   He accidentally exposed the bacteria to mold spores.

   2 more examples

   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

   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

   1. humorousinformalUsed with the verb omitted but implied, the verb itself having the meaning 'omit', 'delete' or similar.

      I accidentally the word 'not'. (meaning "I accidentally omitted the word 'not'")

      4 more examples

      Oops, I accidentally the entire database. (meaning "I accidentally deleted the entire database")

      Naive and unfamiliar with the tech as I was, I accidentally the entirety of their self-titled 2003 album. Whoops.

      2005 March 11, Mark Gallagher, “[I] tell me I'm not the only one”, in alt.fan.pratchett (Usenet)

      > How many siteswaps can you juggle? And how do you learn them? > I can control about 15 siteswaps. […] I accidentally all the siteswaps. Is this bad?

      2009 February 27, <nick.laffey@gmail.com>, “How many siteswaps?”, in rec.juggling (Usenet)

      (Sorry, I accidentally a verb.)

      2012 August 30, Doug Lewan, “find-file-noselect”, in gnu.emacs.help (Usenet)