accidental
UK/.æksi'dentl/US
TOEFLB1
Definitions
adj.
Happening by chance, not planned or intended.
意外的；偶然的。
n.
In music, a sharp, flat, or natural sign that temporarily changes a note's pitch.
（音乐）临时变音记号。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedaccidentto, toward
+
-alfall; befall, happen
=accidental
accident + -al (adj.) = 'of the nature of an accident' → happening by chance. The musical noun sense (a temporary sharp/flat) comes from the same idea: a note altered for the occasion, outside the key's regular plan.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The damage was accidental, so no one was blamed.
- 2.
Their meeting was completely accidental.
- 3.
The pianist marked an accidental before the third note.