incident
/'insidənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A single distinct event, often one that is unusual or unpleasant: An "incident" refers to a specific occurrence or happening, frequently one that is noteworthy, problematic, or disruptive.
- A public disturbance or conflict: In this sense, "incident" describes a minor clash, altercation, or disruptive event, often requiring investigation.
Adjective:
- Likely to happen as a consequence of; naturally appertaining to: When used as an adjective, "incident" describes something that is subordinate, minor, or occurring as a chance accompaniment to something else.
- (Physics) Falling upon or striking a surface: Used in scientific contexts to describe rays of light or particles that strike a surface.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- There was a minor incident at the border yesterday.
- She described the funny incident that happened on her way to work.
- The police are investigating the incident.
Adjective:
- The risks incident to the profession are well known.
- They discussed the problems incident to rapid expansion.
- Measure the angle of the incident light beam.
Advanced Usage
- "Without incident": Happening smoothly, without any problems or disruptions.
- The ceremony proceeded without incident.
- "Be incident to/upon": To be naturally connected or related to something as a minor part.
- Such expenses are incident to running a large household.
Variants and Related Words
- Incidental (adj): Occurring as a minor or casual accompaniment; not essential.
- We must budget for incidental costs.
- Incidence (n): The occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or other undesirable event.
- There is a high incidence of the flu this winter.
Synonyms
- Event: Something that happens, especially something important.
- Occurrence: An incident or event.
- Episode: An event or a group of events occurring as part of a sequence.
- Altercation: A noisy argument or disagreement.
Related Phrases
- Diplomatic incident: A disagreement or conflict between nations, often involving a breach of protocol.
- The ambassador's remarks sparked a minor diplomatic incident.
- Shooting incident: An event involving the discharge of a firearm.
- The neighborhood was shaken by a shooting incident last night.
Idioms
- Make an incident of something: To treat a minor event as if it were a serious problem or cause for complaint.
- It was just a misunderstanding; let's not make an incident of it.
Adjective
- (sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence
- incidental expenses
- the road will bring other incidental advantages
- extra duties incidental to the job
- labor problems incidental to a rapid expansion
- confusion incidental to a quick change
- falling or striking of light rays on something
- incident light
Noun
- a public disturbance
- the police investigated an incident at the bus station
- a single distinct event