The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

coincidence

IPA:

Dictionary definition of coincidence

The occurrence of two or more events or circumstances that seem to be related or significant, even though they happen by chance and without any apparent causal connection.
"It was a strange coincidence that we both wore the same outfit to the party."

Detailed meaning of coincidence

It entails the simultaneous or consecutive happening of things that appear to be connected in a way that goes beyond mere probability. Coincidences can range from simple occurrences like meeting someone unexpectedly in an unfamiliar place to more complex and meaningful synchronicities. They often evoke a sense of surprise, curiosity, or wonder, leading people to question the underlying forces at play or to perceive hidden patterns in the world. Coincidences can add an element of mystery or serendipity to our lives, sparking contemplation about the nature of chance, fate, or the interconnectedness of events. While some coincidences may hold personal or symbolic significance, they are generally regarded as random and inexplicable occurrences that defy logical explanation.

Example sentences containing coincidence

1. It was a remarkable coincidence that we ran into each other at the airport.
2. By pure coincidence, we both ordered the same dish at the restaurant.
3. It's quite a coincidence that we share the same birthday.
4. I bumped into my old friend in a foreign city, and it turned out we were staying at the same hotel—what a coincidence!
5. It's just a coincidence that we both chose the same book to read this month.
6. By sheer coincidence, I discovered that my neighbor and I attended the same university years ago.

History and etymology of coincidence

The noun 'coincidence' shares its etymological roots with the verb 'coincide.' Both words trace back to the Latin word 'coincidere,' which is a combination of 'co,' meaning 'together,' and 'incidere,' meaning 'to fall upon' or 'to happen.' In the case of 'coincidence,' the term has evolved to describe the occurrence of two or more events or circumstances that seem to fall together or happen simultaneously, even though they are unrelated and occur by chance, without any apparent causal connection. The etymology of 'coincidence' thus captures the idea of events aligning in time or situation, giving rise to a sense of unexpected connection or significance, despite the absence of any predetermined cause or relationship.

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Further usage examples of coincidence

1. It was a strange coincidence that I had a dream about my childhood friend, and then I received a message from her the next day.
2. It's an amazing coincidence that we ended up working at the same company without even knowing each other before.
3. By a strange coincidence, I happened to find the exact item I was looking for on sale the day after discussing it with a friend.
4. It was pure coincidence that I found my lost key in the same place where I had looked for it earlier.
5. We discovered a surprising coincidence when we realized that our parents had been friends in college.
6. By an incredible coincidence, we discovered that we were born in the same hospital, just a day apart.
7. It was a funny coincidence that we both chose the same movie to watch on the same night.
8. By coincidence, I arrived at the train station at the exact moment my train was about to depart.
9. It's a strange coincidence that we both have the same favorite song.
10. I happened to meet someone on vacation who knew my colleague back home—what a small world and a fantastic coincidence!
11. By coincidence, I saw my professor at the art gallery, even though I didn't know they were interested in art.
12. It was an uncanny coincidence that we both had the same idea for a new business venture.
13. By a fortunate coincidence, I found the exact item I needed at the store, even though it was the last one available.
14. It's an amusing coincidence that we both chose to wear the same color outfit today.