Definitions
- Referring to an event or situation that occurs by chance or coincidence. - Describing an unplanned or unexpected occurrence. - Talking about a random or accidental happening.
- Describing a fortunate or happy accident. - Referring to a pleasant surprise or unexpected discovery. - Talking about a chance encounter that leads to a positive outcome.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve chance or coincidence.
- 2Both describe unexpected or unplanned events.
- 3Both can lead to positive outcomes.
- 4Both are related to luck or fortune.
- 5Both can be used to describe a happy accident.
What is the difference?
- 1Connotation: Serendipity has a more positive connotation than happenstance, which can be neutral or negative.
- 2Intention: Serendipity implies a sense of destiny or fate, while happenstance is more random and without purpose.
- 3Usage: Happenstance is more commonly used in everyday language, while serendipity is more often used in formal or literary contexts.
- 4Emphasis: Serendipity emphasizes the unexpected discovery or positive outcome, while happenstance focuses on the chance or coincidence of the event.
Remember this!
Happenstance and serendipity are both words that describe events or situations that occur by chance or coincidence. However, serendipity has a more positive connotation and implies a sense of destiny or fate, while happenstance is more random and without purpose. While happenstance is more commonly used in everyday language, serendipity is often used in formal or literary contexts.
