Occurere

Occurere is a Latin verb with two principal meanings in classical usage: to run toward, i.e., to meet or encounter someone or something; and to happen or occur. In the first sense, the verb conveys motion toward an object or person and is often used in descriptions of physical meetings. In the second sense, it is employed in references to events taking place, sometimes in more impersonal constructions.

Etymology and related forms: Occurere is derived from a Latin root built from currere, “to run,” with a directional prefix that emphasizes towardness. The sense “to occur” extends from the motion toward a thing to the event itself. The English verb occur derives from Latin through Old French and Middle English. In Romance languages, descendants include Italian occorrere/occorrere (to occur), Spanish ocurrir, Portuguese ocorrer, and French occurrent (historical).

Usage notes: In Latin texts, occurre is attested with both senses, though the more common verb for “to happen” is accidere or evenire in many authors. When used in the “meet” sense, it can express encounters or meetings that arise from approaching someone or something. As with many Latin verbs, the exact usage can vary by author, historical period, and syntactic construction.

Cognates and influence: The English word occur is directly linked to this Latin source, illustrating the path from classical Latin into the wider lexicon of modern English. The verb’s nuances also show how movement toward a target can broaden to refer to events presenting themselves.

See also: accidere, evenire, currere, ob- prefix, occurrence.

References: Standard Latin dictionaries and grammars provide entries on occurrere/occurrere and related forms; language histories discuss the development of the English verb occur from Latin.