coincidence
koh-IHN-sih-duhns
Coincidence (noun) means a remarkable occurrence of two or more events happening at the same time by chance, without any real connection. Example: “By pure coincidence, we both wore the same red scarf to the party.”
noun
1
A remarkable occurrence of two or more events happening at the same time by chance, without any real connection.
"By pure coincidence, we both wore the same red scarf to the party."
"It was quite a coincidence running into you here."
"What are the odds — what a coincidence that we booked the same flight!"
How to use coincidence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn unplanned event that happens to line up with another, making it feel meaningful even though it's just chance.
Common mistake
A coincidence is not necessarily suspicious — it just means two things happened together by chance, without a causal link.
Common pairings
quite a coincidence
by coincidence
sheer coincidence
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Word forms
- Plural
- coincidences
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
By pure _____, we both wore the same red scarf to the party.
Etymology
From French coïncidence, built from coincide + -ence.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for coincidence
See all rhymes for coincidence →Frequently asked questions
What does “coincidence” mean?
The word “coincidence” means a remarkable occurrence of two or more events happening at the same time by chance, without any real connection. In plain terms, an unplanned event that happens to line up with another, making it feel meaningful even though it's just chance.
How do you pronounce “coincidence”?
“Coincidence” is pronounced koh-IHN-sih-duhns (/koʊˈɪnsɪdəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “coincidence” in a sentence?
Here is “coincidence” used in a sentence: “It was quite a coincidence running into you here.”
What is another word for “coincidence”?
Words with a similar meaning to “coincidence” include synchronicity.
What part of speech is “coincidence”?
“Coincidence” is a noun.
Where does the word “coincidence” come from?
The word “coincidence” comes from French. From French coïncidence, built from coincide + -ence.
Is “coincidence” a common word?
“Coincidence” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a 'coincidence' and 'fate'?
A coincidence is a chance occurrence of events happening together without any real connection, whereas fate implies events are predetermined and meaningfully linked. Calling something a coincidence stresses randomness; calling it fate stresses purpose.
What is the difference between 'coincidence' and 'synchronicity'?
A coincidence is simply two or more events occurring together by chance with no real connection. Synchronicity, a term from psychology, describes coincidences that feel meaningfully related to the observer even without a causal link, adding a sense of significance that a plain coincidence lacks.
What does the phrase 'pure coincidence' emphasise?
'Pure coincidence' stresses that events lined up entirely by chance, with no hidden cause, plan, or connection between them. The word 'pure' rules out any suggestion of design or intention.
Is it correct to say 'mere coincidence'?
Yes. 'Mere coincidence' is a common and correct collocation that downplays events as nothing more than chance, denying any deeper meaning or connection. It is often used to reassure someone that a striking overlap was not significant.
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