Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Coincidence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤝
Add to dictionary

coincidence

[kəʊˈɪnsɪd(ə)ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in daily life

A remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection.

Synonyms

accident, chance, happenstance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
coincidence

When two or more events occur at the same time, seemingly by chance, and they have some connection or significance.

  • 'What a coincidence! I was just thinking about you when you called
  • ' 'It's pure coincidence that we both chose the same place for our vacation
  • '
accident

Unplanned events that often have negative consequences. They can be harmful or damaging.

  • 'She broke her leg in a car accident
  • ' 'The spill was an accident; nobody meant for it to happen
  • '
chance

Refers to the possibility of something happening. It can be used to describe random events or opportunities.

  • 'There's a good chance it will rain tomorrow
  • ' 'He took a chance and applied for the job
  • '
happenstance

Unplanned or random events that occur by chance but are usually positive or neutral in nature. It's often used in a slightly literary or formal manner.

  • 'By sheer happenstance, they met at the coffee shop
  • ' 'Their meeting was pure happenstance
  • '

Examples of usage

  • It was just a coincidence that we both showed up at the same time.
  • The fact that we both chose the same vacation spot is just a coincidence.
Context #2 | Noun

in statistics

A situation in which two or more events occur in a way that is unexpected but seems to have a connection.

Synonyms

association, connection, correlation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
coincidence

Use when referring to two or more events occurring at the same time by chance, without any planning or causal relationship.

  • It was just a coincidence that we both wore the same outfit today.
  • By a strange coincidence, we both ended up at the same hotel.
correlation

Used when discussing a statistical relationship between two variables where changes in one might relate to changes in another.

  • Studies show a correlation between exercise and improved mental health.
  • The data revealed a positive correlation between income level and education.
connection

Appropriate when talking about a linkage or bond between objects, people, or ideas, implying some form of attachment or relationship.

  • There is a direct connection between diet and health.
  • Her connection to the charity helped it raise more funds.
association

Used to describe a mental connection or a formal group/relationship between people or organizations.

  • There is a strong association between smoking and lung cancer.
  • He joined a professional association to network with others in his field.

Examples of usage

  • The high number of accidents in that area is not just a coincidence.
  • There seems to be a coincidence between the increase in sales and the new marketing strategy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'coincidence'

The word 'coincidence' originated from the Latin word 'coincidentia', which means 'to coincide'. It has been used in English since the 17th century. The concept of coincidence has fascinated people for centuries, leading to various philosophical and scientific discussions about the nature of chance and causality.

See also: coincide, coincident, coincidental, coincidentally, coinciding.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,888 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.