n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' k ə r- ə n(t)s, - ' k ə -r ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 1539
1 : something that occurs <a startling occurrence >
2 : the action or instance of occurring <the repeated occurrence of petty theft in the locker room>
synonyms OCCURRENCE , EVENT , INCIDENT , EPISODE , CIRCUMSTANCE mean something that happens or takes place. OCCURRENCE may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan <an encounter that was a chance occurrence >. EVENT usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause <the events following the assassination>. INCIDENT suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance <a minor wartime incident >. EPISODE stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident <a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work>. CIRCUMSTANCE implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background <couldn't recall the exact circumstances >.