- The action, fact, or instance of occurring.
- Something that takes place.
SYNONYMS occurrence, happening, event, incident, episode, circumstance. These nouns refer to something that takes place or comes to pass. Occurrence and happening are the most general: an everyday occurrence; a happening of no great importance. Event usually signifies a notable occurrence: major world events reported on the evening news. " (Victoria). Incident may apply to a minor occurrence: a small incident blown out of proportion. The term may also refer to a distinct event of sharp identity and significance: a succession of exciting incidents. An episode is an incident in the course of a progression or within a larger sequence: "Happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain" (Thomas Hardy). Circumstance denotes a particular incident or occurrence: "Billy had found Alice, thus bringing about the odd circumstance of their renewing their acquaintanceship" (Eleanor H. Porter).
