coincidence

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.

“Coincidence” is pronounced koh-IHN-sih-duhns (/koʊˈɪnsɪdəns/ in IPA).

Here is “coincidence” used in a sentence: “It was quite a coincidence running into you here.”

Words with a similar meaning to “coincidence” include synchronicity.

“Coincidence” is a noun.

The word “coincidence” comes from French. From French coïncidence, built from coincide + -ence.

“Coincidence” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

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.

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.

'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.

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.