Adventitious - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Adventitious means something that happens by chance or is not inherent, often referring to accidental or external factors. It can describe unexpected roots, sounds, or events in biology and general use.
Definition:
Happening by chance or unexpectedly, not inherent or planned.
Synonyms:
accidental, incidental, unplanned, fortuitous
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
intentional, deliberate
Common Collocations:
adventitious roots, adventitious circumstances, adventitious growth
Derivatives:
adventitiously, adventitiousness
Usage Tips:
Use "adventitious" to describe something accidental or added externally, not naturally part of the original.
Common Phrases:
adventitious event, adventitious advantage, adventitious occurrence
Etymology:
From Latin *adventicius*, meaning "coming from outside," derived from *advenire* ("to arrive").
Examples:
- 1. The plant developed adventitious roots after the storm damaged its main stem.
- 2. Her success was partly due to adventitious encounters with influential people.
- 3. The scientist studied the adventitious growth of fungi in the lab experiment.
- 4. His wealth came from an adventitious inheritance rather than hard work.