However, if those two people also happen to work for the same company and have mutual friends, then their meeting could be seen as more than just a coincidence – it could be considered a coincident event. ![]() In other words, coincident events are considered to be related or interdependent in some way.įor example, if two people happen to meet each other at a party, it could be considered a coincidence. It implies a connection or correlation between the events or circumstances, suggesting that they are not merely a random occurrence. Define CoincidentĬoincident is an adjective that describes two or more events or circumstances that occur at the same time. In the following sections, we will explore the usage of each word in greater detail and provide examples to illustrate their meanings. While both words can be used to describe events that occur by chance, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between them. It suggests a more random or accidental nature. On the other hand, happenstance refers to a chance occurrence or coincidence that is not necessarily intentional or designed. It implies a certain level of intention or design, as if the events were meant to happen simultaneously. In this article, we will explore the definitions of each word and determine which is the proper one to use in various situations.Ĭoincident refers to two or more events or circumstances that occur at the same time, often by chance. While looking into "happenchance" and "happenstance," we happened upon "happen-so." For more on this happening trio, listen to the audio above.Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between coincident and happenstance? While both words are often used interchangeably, they actually have distinct meanings. ![]() Multiple dictionaries define "happenstance" as "something that happens by chance" or "a circumstance considered to be influenced by chance." Under "happenchance," they'll simply cross-reference to "happenstance," though the editors of the OED have marked the former as originally regional and colloquial. The Oxford English Dictionary cites 1857 for the first written evidence of "happenstance" and 1847 as the first written evidence of "happenchance." Interestingly, "happenstance" and "happenchance" have both been in English for a long time. That's a word or phrase that, as Merriam-Webster puts it, "sounds like and is mistakenly used in a seemingly logical or plausible way for another word or phrase." A common example is "all intensive purposes" instead of "all intents and purposes."Īs it turns out, it's not completely clear whether "happenchance" is an eggcorn. ![]() We had never heard "happenchance" before either and thought it might be an eggcorn. "When I think about it, since the occurrence is by chance, 'happenchance' makes more sense, but did the person just misspeak?" I would have used the word “happenstance,” Nakasone says. Our listener Mary Nakasone recently heard someone say that something occurred by "happenchance," i.e., it was random or unplanned. Have you ever heard someone say something you were certain had to be a mistake, only to find out later it wasn't? Here at That's What They Say, this doesn't happen very often, but it can be kind of mind-blowing when it does.
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