inadvertently

American  

[in-uhd-vur-tnt-lee] / ˌɪn ədˈvɜr tnt li /

adverb

1. unintentionally; without meaning to.

   I apologize to anyone I have inadvertently left off this list.

2. through lack of attention; without anyone noticing.

   There is the potential for one set of rules to inadvertently replace another.

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Etymology

Origin of inadvertently

inadvertent ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Inadvertently is an adverb that means "without knowledge or intent," like when you inadvertently take someone else's coat from the coatroom because it looks just like yours. When you do something inadvertently, you don't mean to do it — you might inadvertently step in a puddle, leave something important at home, or hurt your friend's feelings. Some things that happen inadvertently aren't mistakes, though: They happen by chance. For example, if you just happen to park your car at the exact place that blocks a bus from hitting a pedestrian, you've inadvertently saved a life.

Example Sentences

Inadvertently, they affect how people see the world, Fischer says.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2023

Inadvertently told a brilliant Ricky Gervais joke on the show last night, obviously not knowing it came from him.

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2022

Inadvertently, perhaps, that segment exemplified the contrast between heightened reality and “Hot Topic” debate.

From Salon • Jun. 23, 2019

Inadvertently, Weegee also showed the world a part of the film that most of us cannot otherwise see.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2018

Inadvertently, she caught a lingering whiff of it, and a pleasant thrum tickled the edges of her senses.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

• negligently
• recklessly