Key Difference: An unfortunate occurrence that happens unexpectedly (unplanned event) or unintentionally results in damage or harm. Usually, an accident indicates something negative. The word incident refers to the event or any action that happens without any unexpected trouble. It is possibly an outcome of something. An incident could be positive or negative. Let’s see the contradiction between these two words, “Accident” and “Incident.”
Accident: The two friends are met by accident after long years.
Incident: The teacher asks Lilly about the incident that happened yesterday.
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Accident:
An unfortunate occurrence that happens unexpectedly
As we said earlier, an accident is an unexpected event that causes damage, injury, or severe consequences. In other words, a mistake that causes damage to something. To be more precise, an accident is an unexpected event that results in serious injury or illness to people or any property damage. Let’s see the sample statement to understand it clearly. He met with a bike accident last month, so he cannot walk now. In this sentence, we might understand that the person cannot walk because of a bike accident. Another example is the factory fire accident that destroys all the machines and things. This sentence stated that the machines and things were destroyed by the fire accident in the factory.
How Do We Spell the Word Accident?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Accident is ˈaksɪd(ə)nt. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word accident using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “Accident” has three syllables.
- It can be divided as “ac-ci-dent“.
Using “Accident” in sentences:
- I accidentally lost my mobile.
- Before the accident, I heard a loud voice from the car.
- We caught up to the accident in five or ten minutes.
- She died in a car accident.
- Nowadays, traffic accidents are increasing rapidly.
Incident:
Event or any action that happens without any unexpected trouble
The word “incident” refers to the event or any action that happens without any unexpected trouble. It is possibly an outcome of something. An incident could be positive or negative. Here, we will tell you about some incidents like bank robbery, arguments between two leaders, any funny situation, etc. These are all examples of incidents. Let’s see the statement for the work incident. The film is based on a real-life incident. In this sentence, we might understand that the movie was taken based on a real-life incident, so it gives a great impact on people. You need to know that all the accidents can also be described as incidents.
How Do We Spell the Word Incident?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Incident is ˈɪnsɪd(ə)nt. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Incident” by syllables.
- The word “Incident” has three syllables.
- It can be divided as “In-ci-dent.”
Using “Incident” in sentences:
- It was an incident that will not change the plan anymore.
- The little incident may change her heart in a good way.
- Sometimes, we have to make a decision based on a real-life incident.
- Rita was a witness to the incident.
- He can remember every incident in great detail.
Compare: Accident Vs Incident
This table will show you the contradiction between the words Accident and Incident.
| Accident | Incident | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It refers to an unexpected event that causes damage, injury, or severe consequences | It refers to the event or any action that happens without any unexpected trouble. |
| Synonyms | Misfortune, misadventure, injury, tragedy, disaster, trouble, problem, difficulty | Event, occasion, adventure, fact, circumstance, exploit, matter |
| Antonyms | Blessing, good fortune, intension, decision, boon, good luck | Inaction, inactivity, stoppage, decline, decrease, noncontemporary |
| Etymology | Late Middle English: Old French from Latin accident- “happening” | Late Middle English: Old French from Latin incident- “falling upon, happening to” |
| Examples | Ron was heavily injured in the car accident. Many road accidents occur due to the over speed of vehicles. She injured her leg in a bike accident. We accidentally met in the coffee shop and talk about each other’s life stories. It was just a tragic accident. | One specific incident still remembers that day. The people who shared their real-life incidents with others are brave. Every incident has a witness. When did the incident occur? Yesterday’s incident was reported in the press. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Accident, Incident), Merriam-Webster (Accident, Incident), Collins Dictionary (Accident, Incident), Dictionary.com (Accident, Incident)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2][5], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].