occurrence

Từ điển American Heritage Dictionary 4th

oc·cur·rence (ə-kûrʹəns)n.
1. The action, fact, or instance of occurring.
2. Something that takes place. oc·curʹrent adj. 
Synonyms: occurrence, happening, event, incident, episode, circumstance
These nouns refer to something that takes place or comes to pass. Occurrence and happening are the most general: an everyday occurrence; a happening of no great importance. Event usually signifies a notable occurrence: major world events reported on the evening news. “ Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves” (Victoria). Incident may apply to a minor occurrence: a small incident blown out of proportion. The term may also refer to a distinct event of sharp identity and significance: a succession of exciting incidents. An episode is an incident in the course of a progression or within a larger sequence: “Happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain” (Thomas Hardy). Circumstance denotes a particular incident or occurrence: “Billy had found Alice, thus bringing about the odd circumstance of their renewing their acquaintanceship” (Eleanor H. Porter).