occur
Definitions
To happen or take place
发生，出现
To come into one's mind (occur to someone)
被想到，浮现于脑海
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedoc- (a form of ob-, 'toward, in the way of') + cur (run) = to 'run toward' you. An event runs up to you and happens; an idea runs into your mind and 'occurs to you.' cur is the running variant of car (currere).
Root car still carries 96 more wordsUsage Guide
Spelling trap: double the r before vowel suffixes — occurred, occurring, occurrence (one of the most misspelled English words). 'occur to someone' = come to mind; 'occur' alone = happen. occur is intransitive — events occur, you don't 'occur something.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
The accident occurred late at night.
- 2.
It never occurred to me that she might lie.
- 3.
Earthquakes occur frequently in this region.
Synonym Comparison
- occur — neutral, formal-leaning; for events or thoughts arising
- happen — most general and casual
- take place — for planned/scheduled events (the wedding takes place Saturday)
- arise — for problems or situations emerging
- come about — how something gradually happened