Happenings: meaning, definitions and examples

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happenings

 

[ หˆhap(ษ™)nษชล‹z ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

current events

Events that are currently taking place or occurring. Happenings can refer to a wide range of occurrences, from social gatherings to news events.

Synonyms

events, incidents, occurrences.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
happenings

Commonly used in informal contexts to describe current or recent events, especially those that are noteworthy or interesting.

  • The local newspaper covers all the latest happenings in town.
  • Did you hear about the latest political happenings?
events

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, referring to planned or unplanned occasions, activities, or significant occurrences.

  • The charity is organizing several events this month.
  • World War II was one of the most significant events of the 20th century.
occurrences

Used in a more formal context to describe things that happen, often emphasizing the fact that they happen without planning or expectation.

  • Natural occurrences like earthquakes and hurricanes can't be predicted accurately.
  • The random occurrence of such events puzzled the scientists.
incidents

Often used in contexts where the situation is unexpected and potentially problematic or negative.

  • The police are investigating the incident that happened last night.
  • There was a minor incident at the school today involving a broken window.

Examples of usage

  • The museum is hosting a series of art happenings this weekend.
  • The political happenings in the country are causing a lot of debate.
Context #2 | Noun

artistic events

Artistic events or performances that are unconventional or experimental in nature. Happenings often blur the line between art and everyday life.

Synonyms

events, occurrences, performances.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
happenings

Used for informal or spontaneous activities, often unique or artistic in nature.

  • The gallery always has interesting art happenings on weekends.
  • Last nightโ€™s music happening was a blast.
events

Refers to planned occasions or activities, suitable for both formal and informal settings.

  • The wedding and the graduation ceremony are both significant events.
  • We are organizing a charity event next month.
performances

Associated with shows or acts presented before an audience, such as in theater or concerts.

  • The theater company will hold three performances this weekend.
  • Her dance performance captivated the entire audience.
occurrences

Best used for random or natural incidents, often without human planning.

  • Natural occurrences like earthquakes can't be predicted.
  • The sudden occurrence of the power outage surprised everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The avant-garde artist organized a happening in the park.
  • The happening at the gallery attracted a diverse audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "happenings" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น acontecimentos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เคŸเคจเคพเค•เฅเคฐเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ereignisse

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kejadian

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะดั–ั—

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wydarzenia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‡บๆฅไบ‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉvรฉnements

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ acontecimientos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท olaylar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‚ฌ๊ฑด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุญุฏุงุซ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ udรกlosti

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ udalosti

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไบ‹ไปถ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dogodki

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ atburรฐir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพา›ะธา“ะฐะปะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒ•แƒšแƒ”แƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hadisษ™lษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ acontecimientos

Etymology

The term 'happenings' originated in the art world of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly associated with the Fluxus movement. Artists like Allan Kaprow and John Cage used the term to describe experimental performances that often involved audience participation and unconventional materials. Happenings challenged traditional notions of art and paved the way for performance art as we know it today.

See also: happen, happening, happenstance.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,183, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.