without meaning to

inadvertently

adverb|/ˌɪn.ədˈvɜː.tənt.li/

In an unintentional manner

Examples

In a meeting

I inadvertently copied the wrong stakeholders on that email

Over coffee

I inadvertently spoiled the movie for her

Why this word

accidentally

accidentally suggests mishap; inadvertently emphasizes lack of attention or awareness, not necessarily error

unintentionally

unintentionally focuses on lack of intent; inadvertently specifically implies not noticing or paying attention

mistakenly

mistakenly implies error in judgment; inadvertently means through lack of attention without implying mistake

Usage tip

Use to acknowledge mistakes while making clear they weren't deliberate

Etymology

Latin 'in-' (not) + 'advertere' (to turn attention to)

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