Happenstance: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to something that occurs by chance, often in a lucky or serendipitous manner.

• Meeting my old friend at the airport was pure happenstance
• It was by happenstance that I found the perfect house

Describes the occurrence of two or more events at the same time, which are apparently related but have no causal connection.

• It's a coincidence that we both wore the same dress to the party
• The coincidence of their birthdays being on the same day was surprising

Often used to describe an unintended and usually negative event, such as mishaps or unfortunate incidents.

• She broke her arm in a car accident
• Spilling the coffee was an accident

Refers to the probability or possibility of something happening, often used in neutral or positive scenarios.

• There is a good chance it will rain today
• They met by chance at a conference