Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
unintentionally
This term describes an action performed without a conscious plan or deliberate aim. It carries a neutral to slightly apologetic tone, often used to explain a mistake or an oversight without implying negligence or malice. It is more formal than the phrase "by accident" and is frequently employed in professional, legal, or technical contexts to clarify that a specific outcome was not the desired goal.
While "accidentally" is a close synonym, "unintentionally" specifically emphasizes the lack of intent or will behind the action. For example, one might accidentally trip over a rug, but one might unintentionally offend a colleague through a poorly worded email; the latter focuses on the absence of a purposeful desire to cause harm.
Meanings
Examples
I unintentionally deleted the entire folder while cleaning up my desktop.
She unintentionally offended him with her blunt comment.
The detective realized the witness had unintentionally revealed a key detail.
He unintentionally ignored the warning signs until it was too late.
I must have unintentionally sent the email to the wrong person.
The spell was cast unintentionally during the chaos of the battle.
Did I unintentionally interrupt your conversation?
Did I unintentionally interrupt your conversation?