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inadvertence
noun
in·ad·ver·tence
ˌi-nəd-ˈvər-tᵊn(t)s
1
: the fact or action of being inadvertent
2
: a result of inattention : oversight
Examples of inadvertence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As for inventions, accident and inadvertence played a role in the development of Post-it Notes and microwave heating.
—Amanda Foreman, WSJ, 4 May 2018
The history of the game proceeded through intelligence, but also through inadvertence.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2017
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Medieval Latin inadvertentia, from Latin in- + advertent-, advertens, present participle of advertere to advert
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of inadvertence was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near inadvertence
Cite this Entry
“Inadvertence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadvertence. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
inadvertence
noun
in·ad·ver·tence
ˌin-əd-ˈvərt-ᵊn(t)s
1
: the fact or action of being inattentive
2
: a result of not paying attention : oversight
Legal Definition
inadvertence
noun
in·ad·ver·tence
ˌin-əd-ˈvərt-ᵊns
: an accidental oversight (as failing to sign a form)
More from Merriam-Webster on inadvertence
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inadvertence
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