Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns/

Definitions

• A remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection.
• The occurrence of events that happen at the same time by chance, but seem to be connected.
• The fact or state of being coincident, or happening at the same time or in the same place.

Usage Examples

• It was pure coincidence that we met at the same restaurant.
• The coincidence of their birthdays made them lifelong friends.
• She thought the coincidence of the two events was too perfect to be random.

Etymology

From Late Latin 'coincidentia,' meaning 'a happening together,' from 'co-' (together) and 'cadere' (to fall). The term was first used in the 16th century to describe events that happened at the same time or in the same place by chance.

Synonyms

• Chance
• Accident
• Fortuity
• Serendipity
• Happenstance

Antonyms

• Intentionality
• Plan
• Design
• Premeditation

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the emphasis is often placed on the second syllable: 'co-in-SID-ence.'
• In American English, the first syllable may receive a stronger emphasis: 'CO-in-cidence.'

Historical Usage

Coincidence has been a part of the English language since the 16th century, evolving from the Latin 'coincidentia.' Initially used to describe events that happened at the same time or in the same place, the term has since come to refer more broadly to any event or circumstance that seems remarkably coincidental, even without any apparent connection. The modern understanding of coincidence has grown to include a sense of random or serendipitous occurrences.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, coincidence is often seen as either a happy accident or a manifestation of fate. In Eastern philosophies, coincidence can be interpreted as the result of destiny or karma, while in Western cultures, it is generally regarded as a random or chance event. The concept of coincidence plays a significant role in storytelling and folklore, where characters often encounter serendipitous situations that change the course of events.

More Information

Coincidence is a concept that has fascinated people for centuries, as it involves events that appear connected without any discernible cause. While some believe in the supernatural aspects of coincidence, others view it as a result of probability and chance. In scientific fields, the study of coincidence is often linked to statistical analysis, where the likelihood of seemingly random events happening at the same time is explored. The idea of coincidence also plays a crucial role in psychological phenomena, particularly in areas such as pattern recognition and cognitive biases.