occurrence

n.

occurrence is the general word for anything that happens or takes place an unforeseen occurrence; event implies an occurrence of relative significance, often one growing out of earlier happenings or conditions the events that followed the surrender; incident usually suggests an occurrence of relatively minor significance, often one connected with a more important event the award was just another incident in her career, though it can also imply conflict or disturbance the demonstration continued without further incident; an episode is a distinct event that is complete in itself but forms part of a larger event or is one of a series of events an episode of his childhood; a circumstance is an event that is either incidental to, or a determining factor of, another event the circumstances surrounding my decision