Hap Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hap
[hæp ]
Definition
luck or fortune
The term 'hap' is an old English word embodying the concept of fortune or luck. It is often used in a poetic or literary context to signify chance or fate. This word is less common in contemporary language but is still recognized in historical texts. It signifies the randomness of events and outcomes influenced by fortune rather than by effort or intention.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- It was just a hap that we met at the café.
- In the face of hap, he maintained his optimism.
- You never know what hap may bring in life.
Translations
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Origin of 'hap'
The word 'hap' originates from Old Norse 'happr,' which signifies 'happiness' or 'good fortune.' It eventually made its way into Middle English as 'hap,' carrying similar meanings associated with luck and fortune. Over the centuries, 'hap' has been utilized in various literary works and poetic compositions, often highlighting the unpredictability of life. While its usage has diminished in modern English, remnants of the word persist in phrases like 'hapless' and 'perhaps,' where its essence of chance and fate remains present. Furthermore, 'hap' contributed to the development of a broader vocabulary relating to chance and randomness in the English language.