Happenstance Meaning in English
word
ˈhæpənˌstæns
HAP-un-stans
hˈæpənstəns
HAP-un-stuhns
Definition
An event or situation that happens by chance, often unexpectedly and without planning.
Usage & Nuances
A formal word, often used in writing or storytelling. Similar to 'coincidence' but emphasizes the element of chance rather than a surprising similarity. Not commonly used in everyday casual conversation. Often found in phrases like 'by happenstance'.
Spanish: casualidad - coincidenciaPortuguese (BR): casualidade - coincidênciaPortuguese (PT): casualidade - coincidênciaChinese (Simplified): 偶然 - 巧合Chinese (Traditional): 偶然 - 巧合Hindi: संयोग - इत्तिफाकArabic: صدفة - مصادفةBengali: আকস্মিকতা - কাকতালীয় ঘটনাRussian: случайность - совпадение (по совпадению)Japanese: 偶然 - 偶然の出来事Vietnamese: tình cờ - ngẫu nhiênKorean: 우연 - 우연한 일Turkish: tesadüf - rastlantıUrdu: اتفاقیہ - حادثہ (غیر ارادی واقعہ)Indonesian: kebetulan - peristiwa kebetulan
Example Sentences
By happenstance, I found the lost keys.
basic
It was just happenstance that we sat next to each other.
basic
Sometimes the best opportunities come by happenstance.
natural
Their friendship started out of pure happenstance at a café.
natural
I ran into my old teacher by sheer happenstance.
natural
Our meeting was pure happenstance.
basic