occur

[uh-kur]

verb (used without object)

occurred, occurring 

1. to happen; take place; come to pass.

   When did the accident occur?

   Synonyms: befall

2. to be met with or found; present itself; appear.

   Modest amounts of fructose occur naturally in fruits and vegetables.

   Synonyms: offer, exist, arise

3. to suggest itself in thought; come to mind (usually followed byto ).

   An idea occurred to me.

occur

/ əˈkɜː /

verb

1. to happen; take place; come about

2. to be found or be present; exist

3. (foll by to) to be realized or thought of (by); suggest itself (to)

Usage

It is usually regarded as incorrect to talk of pre-arranged events occurring or happening : the wedding took place (not occurred or happened ) in the afternoon

Other Word Forms

• preoccur verb (used without object)
• reoccur verb (used without object)
• unoccurring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of occur¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin occurrere “to run to meet, arrive, meet,” equivalent to oc- oc- + currere “to run”

Word History and Origins

Origin of occur¹

C16: from Latin occurrere to run up to, from ob- to + currere to run

Synonym Study

See happen.

Example Sentences

Mutations are copying errors that occur naturally during the replication process.

From Salon

The last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK occurred in 2022.

From BBC

It adds that interference occurs primarily near conflict zones as a by-product of military activity, rather than necessarily being a deliberate act.

From BBC

The attack occurred at what is traditionally a popular time for consumers to take delivery of a new vehicle.

From BBC

Room modules were made in a factory outside of Ontario, Canada, at the same time that foundation work was occurring in 29 Palms.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appear 
• arise 
• crop up 
• develop 
• ensue 
• exist 
• follow 
• go 
• materialize 
• result 
• show 
• take place 
• transpire