Coincidence

Definition

Coincidence refers to the occurrence of events or circumstances that happen at the same time by chance, without any apparent connection or causal relationship. It often describes surprising or unlikely occurrences that seem related but are not causally linked.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (an event or circumstance occurring by chance)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /koʊˈɪnsɪdəns/
• Respelling: koh-IN-suh-dens

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns/
• Respelling: koh-IN-suh-dens

Etymology

The word "coincidence" comes from the Medieval Latin "coincidentia," meaning "a falling together," derived from "coincidere," meaning "to coincide or agree." It combines "com-" (together) and "incidere" (to fall upon). The term entered the English language in the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Coincide (verb)
• Coincidental (adjective)
• Coincidentally (adverb)
• Coinciding (verb/adjective)
• Non-coincidence (noun)

Synonyms

• Concurrence
• Happenstance
• Accident

Antonyms

• Deliberation
• Intention
• Design

Usage

The word "coincidence" is often used to describe situations where two or more events happen simultaneously without an apparent cause. For instance, "It was a strange coincidence that we met at the same restaurant on the same night." It can also be applied to scientific or statistical contexts where patterns appear randomly. In casual speech, coincidence often suggests an unusual or surprising connection.

Related Terms

• Chance: The occurrence of events without a predictable or deliberate cause.
• Synchronicity: The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear related but lack a causal connection.
• Serendipity: The occurrence of happy or beneficial events by chance.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The occurrence of events or circumstances by chance: Refers to situations where things happen at the same time by mere chance.
  • Example: "By pure coincidence, they both booked the same flight on the same day."
• The state of two or more things occurring at the same time: Refers to the simultaneous existence or occurrence of events, conditions, or objects.
  • Example: "The coincidence of the sun setting and the moon rising created a beautiful scene."