Definitions
- Describing an event or situation that happens by chance or without any planned or intended connection. - Referring to two or more things occurring at the same time or in the same place, seemingly by chance. - Talking about a surprising or unexpected occurrence that cannot be explained by cause and effect.
- Referring to something that occurs by chance or by accident. - Describing an event or situation that is unplanned or unintentional. - Talking about a random or fortuitous occurrence that is not influenced by any specific factors.
List of Similarities
- 1Both describe events or situations that occur by chance.
- 2Both imply that there is no planned or intended connection.
- 3Both can refer to things happening at the same time or in the same place.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Coincidence is more commonly used in everyday language, while happenstance is less common and may sound more formal or literary.
- 2Connotation: Coincidence often implies a sense of surprise or astonishment, while happenstance has a more neutral connotation.
- 3Frequency: Coincidence is used more frequently to describe unexpected events, while happenstance is less commonly used.
- 4Formality: Coincidence is generally considered more informal, while happenstance is associated with a slightly more formal tone.
Remember this!
Coincidence and happenstance are synonyms that describe events or situations occurring by chance or without any planned connection. They both imply that there is no intended relationship between the events. However, coincidence is more commonly used in everyday language and often carries a sense of surprise, while happenstance is less common and has a more neutral connotation.
