Incidenttiseltä

Incidenttiseltä is a Finnish word that translates to "incidentally" or "by chance" in English. It is an adverb used to describe something that happens unexpectedly or without specific intention. The word is derived from the noun "incidentti," meaning "incident," and the suffix "-seltä," which denotes a manner or way.

The usage of incidenttiseltä often implies a lack of planning or a coincidental occurrence. For example, one might say, "I found this old photograph incidenttiseltä while cleaning my attic," meaning the discovery was not the primary purpose of cleaning but a fortunate accident. Similarly, it can describe an unintentional consequence of an action, such as "The project was delayed incidenttiseltä due to unforeseen technical issues."

In casual conversation, incidenttiseltä can be used to soften a statement or to express a degree of surprise at how something unfolded. It suggests that the outcome was not predetermined but rather a product of circumstances. The word's flexibility allows it to be applied in various contexts, from everyday observations to more significant events. Its presence in the Finnish language highlights the importance of acknowledging the role of chance and unexpected turns in life.