Accidently | Correct Spelling, Meaning & Use
Accidently is a common misspelling of “accidentally,” which means “unintentionally.”
Although “accidently” has been used for centuries and can sometimes still be found in published works, it is recommended to use “accidentally,” as the former is now typically viewed as an error. The QuillBot grammar check tool can help you catch this and other errors.
Less common: I accidently bought the wrong brand and now I have to make a return.
How to spell accidentally
“Accidentally” is spelled with two “c’s,” one “d,” one “t,” and ends with an “a-l-l-y”: a-c-c-i-d-e-n-t-a-l-l-y.
Technically, this word has five syllables (i.e., “ak-suh-den-tuh-lee”), but fluent speakers often pronounce it so quickly that it sounds like four syllables (i.e., “ak-suh-dent-lee”). Although this pronunciation is acceptable and common, the spelling that ends with “t-l-y,” a-c-c-i-d-e-n-t-l-y, is often considered incorrect.
“Accidentally” is an adverb that describes an action as unintentional or inadvertent. Put simply, it describes something as unplanned or happening by chance. For example, you can accidentally set the wrong time on your alarm, or you can accidentally run into your old roommate at the mall.
My mom accidentally broke my favorite mug while doing the dishes.
They accidentally bumped into each other at the charity event.
Accidentally on purpose
“Accidentally on purpose” is a phrase that describes something as being done intentionally but made to appear like an accident (e.g., “She tripped over the rug accidentally on purpose because she wanted a reason to go home”).
He accidentally on purpose included a small error in his report so his boss would review it more carefully.
The sisters accidentally on purpose laughed at the wrong moment to show that they didn’t understand what was going on.
Frequently asked questions about accidently
- What is a synonym of accidentally?
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Synonyms of accidentally include:
- Inadvertently
- Unintentionally
- Unwittingly
Accidently is not a synonym of accidentally as it’s considered a common misspelling.
- Is it on accident or by accident?
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The original and correct phrase is “by accident.” However, “on accident” is an error likely formed by people trying to say the opposite of “on purpose.” Although it’s a common mistake, the right way to say this phrase is “by accident.”
You can avoid this error by replacing “by accident” with “accidentally” (e.g., “I broke the lamp by accident” vs. “I broke the lamp accidentally”). Make sure not to replace it with “accidently,” as this is considered a common misspelling.
- What does accidentaly mean?
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“Accidentaly” is an incorrect spelling of “accidentally,” which is an adverb that describes an action as unintentional (e.g., “I accidentally went to the wrong class”). Another common misspelling is “accidently.”
