This is one of my issues. I had thought for years that accidently was the proper term, and when I ran across an explanation for why publically simply didn’t work, I decided to investigate. A good thing. I do hate to be wrong. On the other hand, I do like to learn . . . *grin* . . . And I’m still not too wrong since accidently is an acceptable variant spelling.
Word Confusions . . .
. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.
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| Accidentally | Accidently |
|---|---|
 |
 — |
| Part of Grammar: | |
| Adverb, standard | Adverb, non-variant |
| The preferred spelling
Making an adverb from an adjective allows the new word to indicate the extent of what has occurred. Arising from extrinsic causes Occurring unexpectedly or by chance Happening without intent or through carelessness and often with unfortunate results |
An accepted variation
|
| Examples: | |
| She accidentally fell into the pothole.
As opposed to she fell into the pothole. He fell off the train accidentally. Well, if he had fallen off the train, our imaginations might go wild wondering if he was pushed, fell unconscious, jumped . . . who knows. |
She accidentally fell into the pothole.
He fell off the train accidently. |
| Derivatives: | |
| Adjective: accidental (the root word) | |
| History of the Word: | |
| Late Middle English from the late Latin accidentalis, which is from the Latin accident- meaning happening. | |
C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Word Confusions on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
Resources for Accidentally versus Accidently
Apple Dictionary.com
Merriam-Webster: accidental
Pinterest Photo Credits:
Fallen Crane by Phillip Roberts from Sandbach, England, is under the CC BY 2.0 license, via Wikimedia Commons.
Revised as of 1 Apr 2024
By: Kathy Davie