Incidence
/ˈɪnsɪdəns/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe frequency or range of something, especially of something undesirable or unpleasant.
/ˈɪnsɪdəns/
The occurrence, rate, or range of something, especially of something undesirable
There has been a higher incidence of flu cases this winter.
💡 Simply: Imagine something bad, like a bad grade. The incidence is how often that bad grade shows up in the class. It is like tracking the frequency of things happening, sometimes negative.
👶 For kids: How many times something happens. Like, how many times a kid falls down while playing.
More Examples
The incidence of theft is low in this neighborhood.
The report examined the incidence of cyberbullying among teenagers.
How It's Used
"The incidence of diabetes has increased in recent years."
"Researchers are studying the incidence of a specific disease within a population."
"The insurance company calculates premiums based on the incidence of accidents."
An instance or occurrence of something.
/ˈɪnsɪdəns/
The action of an event or event that takes place
The incidence of the fire was investigated.
💡 Simply: The actual event itself! It's like the specific time something happens, not just how often.
👶 For kids: When something happens, like when your cake falls down.
More Examples
The police are investigating the incidence of the robbery.
The media reported the incidence of the political protests.
How It's Used
"The incidence of the car accident was unexpected."
"The incidence of the crime will be investigated by police."
From Latin *incidere* ('to fall upon, happen'), from *in-* ('on') + *cadere* ('to fall'). The word originally referred to something that 'falls upon' or 'affects' something else.
In older texts, 'incidence' could also refer to the direction or course of something, or the point at which something falls or strikes.
Memory tip
Think of a 'fall' or 'occurrence'. It's about how often something happens.
Word Origin
"to fall"