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coincidence

coincidence

426 3.4
A surprising event that happens at the same time as another by chance
  • noun
  • /koʊˈɪn.sɪ.dəns/
translation icon : coincidencia
  • It was pure coincidence that they both arrived at the party at the same time.
  • just a coincidence
  • more than a coincidence
  • a chance coincidence

It's not a coincidence, it's cause and effect.

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Examples

Synonyms

happenstance
vscoincidence
15 8.5

A chance event that seems planned but is actually an accident

is broader, covering accidental occurrences whether or not they appear arranged
synchronicity
vscoincidence
4 8.9

A meaningful coincidence that seems connected but has no clear cause

treats such events as accidental or surprising without special meaning
chance event
vscoincidence
1 3.4

An event that happens by accident and is not planned

adds that simultaneous occurrences can seem planned or especially surprising
fortuity
vscoincidence
  • Formal
1 9.1

An unexpected event that happens by chance

stresses accidental or surprising simultaneous occurrences that may seem planned
concurrence
vscoincidence
1 7.2

Two or more things happening at the same time

highlights accidental or surprising overlap that can seem intentionally arranged
co-occurrence
vscoincidence
7.1

More than one thing happening at the same time or in the same place

focuses on chance and surprise rather than mere simultaneous appearance

Compounds

A person who finds patterns or special meaning in events that are probably random

coincidence theory
  • Specialized
9.9

Study of events that look random but show hidden patterns

How Surprising

miracle
4.4
fluke
32 5.1
coincidence
426 3.4
happenstance
15 8.5

Surface Forms

coincidence singular
coincidences plural

Morphology

coincidence = coincide (transparent) = co + incide + ence

Formed from the verb 'coincide' + the nominalizing suffix '-ence'; if a learner knows 'coincide' the noun meaning is directly predictable.

Etymology

Coincidence comes from the Latin parts co- 'together' and incidere 'to fall'. Think of two events 'falling together' by chance, which helps explain why a coincidence is an accidental or surprising meeting of events.