incident

Something that happens, often something unusual, unpleasant, or dangerous.

• The police are investigating the incident.
• Several incidents happened near the station last night.
• Did anyone witness the incident?

Similar words: event, occurrence

Common phrases: a serious incident, report an incident, an unusual incident

A small event that forms part of a larger event or story.

• She recalled a small incident from their journey.
• This incident barely affected the wider campaign.
• Several amusing incidents brighten his account of the trip.

Similar words: episode

Common phrases: a minor incident, an amusing incident, an incident during something

Existing as a natural part or result of a particular activity or situation.

• The risks incident to mining are considerable.
• She accepted the duties incident to ownership.
• The contract covers expenses incident to the work.

How to use it: incident to something (We discussed the hazards incident to this work.)

Similar words: inherent, associated

Common phrases: incident to something, risks incident to, costs incident to

Likely to happen to someone or in a particular situation.

• Such illnesses are incident to old age.
• He described the troubles incident to military life.
• These mistakes are incident to youth.

How to use it: incident to someone/something (These difficulties are incident to the profession.)

Similar words: likely, natural

Common phrases: incident to something, ills incident to, troubles incident to