hap
4 synonyms for hap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — (archaic) Luck or fortune, good or bad; chance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
(archaic) Luck or fortune, good or bad; chance.
“Whatever hap befell them, they faced it together.”
Etymology
From Middle English hap ("chance, luck"), related to Old Norse happ ("good luck"). The modern words "happen" and "happy" both grow from this same root.
Full origin of hap →Frequently asked questions
What does “hap” mean?
The word “hap” means (archaic) Luck or fortune, good or bad; chance. In plain terms, an old word for luck or chance — rarely used now except in "happen," "happy," and "haphazard.".
How do you pronounce “hap”?
“Hap” is pronounced hap (/hæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “hap” in a sentence?
Here is “hap” used in a sentence: “Whatever hap befell them, they faced it together.”
What is another word for “hap”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hap” include serendipity.
What part of speech is “hap”?
Depending on how it is used, “hap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hap” come from?
The word “hap” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hap ("chance, luck"), related to Old Norse happ ("good luck"). The modern words "happen" and "happy" both grow from this same root.
How many meanings does “hap” have?
“Hap” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (archaic) Luck or fortune, good or bad; chance.
