Definition of occurrence

The word "occurrence" is derived from the Latin word "occurrere," which literally means "to happen" or "to fall upon." It entered the English language in the late 16th century and was initially used primarily in legal contexts, to describe an event that had come to pass or transpired. The term "occurrence" is often used interchangeably with "incident" or "event," but it typically implies that the happening in question is significant or noteworthy. In some contexts, such as in scientific research or insurance policies, occurrence can refer more specifically to a phenomenon or circumstance that is being documented or recorded for analysis or compensation purposes. Since its introduction into English, the meaning of "occurrence" has become more specialized and nuanced, but its origins in Latin serve as a reminder of the simple, fundamental idea underlying the word - that things happen, and sometimes they matter.