1
Core manner or degree
Without intention or awareness; accidentally.
Example
The editor inadvertently omitted the final paragraph.
inadvertently
/ˌɪnədˈvɜːtəntli/ · in-ad-VUR-tunt-leeadverb
Without intention or awareness; accidentally.
Use inadvertently to express this relationship precisely: without intention or awareness; accidentally.
What inadvertently Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Position and scope
Place this adverb where it clearly modifies the intended action, response, or degree.
Example
The treatment inadvertently affected the control group.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact manner or intensity matters; nearby adverbs may change the writer's claim.
Example
By naming the source, the report inadvertently revealed the participant's identity.
Use inadvertently Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The editor inadvertently omitted the final paragraph.
The treatment inadvertently affected the control group.
By naming the source, the report inadvertently revealed the participant's identity.
Precision Matters
Inadvertently overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
inadvertently
vs.Means without intention or awareness; accidentally.
inadvertent
Means unintentional and occurring without deliberate planning or awareness.
inadvertently
vs.Means without intention or awareness; accidentally.
deliberate
Means consider or discuss a question carefully before making a decision.
inadvertently
vs.Means without intention or awareness; accidentally.
furtive
Means secretive and cautious in an attempt to avoid being noticed or discovered.
inadvertently
vs.Means without intention or awareness; accidentally.
fortuitous
Means occurring by chance rather than design, often with a fortunate result.
Test inadvertently in Context
The disclosure happened accidentally rather than by design.
1
By leaving one identifying detail unchanged, the researchers ___ disclosed which participant had provided the quotation.