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Coincidentally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงฉ
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coincidentally

[koสŠหŒษชn.sษ™หˆden.tษ™l.i ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a coincidental manner

Happening by chance or accident; not planned; occurring at the same time by accident; unexpectedly.

Synonyms

accidentally, by chance, unexpectedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coincidentally

Use when two events happen at the same time by an unplanned combination, but without any causal connection. Suitable for neutral situations.

  • We ran into each other at the store coincidentally
accidentally

Use when something happens unintentionally or by mistake. Typically used for situations where an action occurs without deliberate intention.

  • I accidentally knocked over the vase
unexpectedly

Use when something happens suddenly and without warning. Suitable for situations where an event occurs contrary to what was anticipated.

  • The guests arrived unexpectedly
by chance

Use when something happens in a random or unexpected way, without planning. Suitable for situations where the outcome is not controlled.

  • We met by chance at the cafรฉ

Examples of usage

  • It was coincidentally the same day that we both decided to visit the museum.
  • Coincidentally, we bumped into each other at the grocery store.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a situation or event

Occurring or existing at the same time by accident; happening by chance; accidental.

Synonyms

accidental, fortuitous, unintentional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coincidentally

Used when events happen at the same time by chance but without any intention or plan.

  • We both arrived at the party coincidentally.
accidental

Refers to something that happens by chance, often unexpectedly, and usually without intentional planning. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it results in something harmful.

  • He made an accidental mistake in the report.
unintentional

Used to convey that something happened without intent, plan, or purpose. Often used to explain that an action was not deliberate.

  • Her unintentional comment hurt his feelings.
fortuitous

Describes something that happens by chance in a positive or beneficial way. It has a somewhat formal tone.

  • Finding a $20 bill on the street was a fortuitous surprise.

Examples of usage

  • It was a coincidental meeting that led to their partnership.
  • The similarities between the two paintings were purely coincidental.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often perceive coincidences as meaningful, leading to patterns in thinking known as apophenia.
  • Studies suggest that recognizing coincidences can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Cognitive biases, like the illusion of control, often lead individuals to attribute personal significance to coincidental events.

Literature

  • In storytelling, coincidences can serve as plot devices, sometimes viewed critically as 'deus ex machina' when they resolve conflicts easily.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens often employed coincidences to weave complex narratives that connect characters unexpectedly.
  • Coincidences in literature can mirror real life, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences of chance encounters.

Pop Culture

  • In film, coincidences are frequently used in romantic comedies, bringing unlikely couples together, such as in the movie 'Serendipity'.
  • The song 'Coincidence' by โ€˜The Bandโ€™ explores the theme of unexpected connections through humorous lyrics.
  • Popular games and social media often play on coincidence, showing how chance can lead to surprises and laughs among friends.

Science

  • Coincidences are studied in the field of probability, helping to understand how frequent random occurrences can be.
  • The 'Birthday Problem' illustrates how coincidences happen; in a group of just 23 people, there's a 50% chance two share a birthday.
  • Quantum physics introduces the concept of entanglement, where particles exhibit coincidences in behavior, regardless of distance.

Origin of 'coincidentally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'coincidental' comes from the Latin 'coincidere', which means to meet or fall together.
  • The suffix '-ly' turns adjectives into adverbs, indicating the manner of something happening.
  • The use of 'coincidental' in English dates back to the 19th century, reflecting the importance of chance in human experience.

The word 'coincidentally' originates from the word 'coincidence', which comes from the Latin word 'coincidere', meaning 'to fall upon together'. The concept of coincidence has been explored in philosophy, psychology, and statistics, with debates on whether events are truly random or have underlying causes. The adverb form 'coincidentally' is commonly used in everyday language to describe chance occurrences or unexpected events.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,985, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.