What does occurrence mean?
Occurrence means an instance of something happening, such as an event, circumstance, or appearance. It is commonly used when describing something that happens more than once, occurs with some regularity, or stands out as unusual. For example, a “common occurrence” is an event that happens often, while a “rare occurrence” attracts attention precisely because it is infrequent. The word can also refer more generally to the fact of something happening: “the occurrence of frost” means the existence or presence of frost. In general, occurrence is more formal and measured than event or happening, and it often suggests a phenomenon that can be observed or counted rather than a single dramatic episode. It is useful when precision and neutral description matter.
nounAn instance or occurrence of something happening, especially an event or circumstance that occurs. It can also refer to the fact of something happening or appearing.
- An instance of something happening.
- A particular event or circumstance.
- The fact or process of something happening or appearing.
"The discovery was a rare occurrence in the region."
"Such extreme weather is an uncommon occurrence in this part of the country."
"The report notes a steady occurrence of minor errors in the manuscript."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The records contain several occurrences of the same error."
Occurrence comes from the Latin word occurrere, meaning “to run toward” or “to meet,” originally describing a thought or event coming to someone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does occurrence come from?
Occurrence entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin occurrere, a compound of oc- “toward” and currere “to run,” meaning “to run toward” or “to meet.” The word originally referred to a thought or event coming to a person, and later developed the modern sense of an instance or an event. Its relatives include recurrent, current, cursor, and course, all connected with the same Latin root for running or moving.
How occurrence is actually used
Occurrence is neutral and often more formal than event or happening. In everyday use, it commonly refers to a particular instance, especially one that is repeated, unusual, or noteworthy.