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incident

/ˈɪn.sɪ.dənt/

When used as a noun, "incident" often refers to something negative, such as a fight, an accident, or a diplomatic dispute. If you want to describe a positive event, words like "occasion" or "event" are usually better choices. As an adjective, the word is most commonly seen in the phrase "incident to," meaning that one thing naturally follows or accompanies another. This usage is more formal and often appears in legal or business contexts.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Victoria is in a high-stakes board meeting while Mr. Sterling is at his private spa.
Mr. Sterling

Victoria, was that lobby incident just a ripple in the cosmic pond?

Mr. Sterling
Victoria
Victoria

It was a lawsuit waiting to happen. I'm cleaning up the mess now.

💡
Mr. Sterling uses an eccentric metaphor ('ripple in the cosmic pond') to downplay a serious event, while Victoria uses the idiom 'cleaning up the mess' to describe her role in fixing a professional disaster. The word 'incident' is central as it refers to the specific problematic event they are discussing.

Meanings

noun

An event or occurrence, often one that is unpleasant or unusual.

"The police are investigating a serious incident that occurred downtown last night."

noun

A separate event that happens in connection with or as a result of something else.

"The minor delays were merely incidental incidents to the larger project failure."

adjective

Happening as a minor accompaniment to something else; secondary.

"The cost of travel is incident to the job."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error