What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
serendipitous
Example
It was serendipitous that I found my lost ring while cleaning the house. [serendipitous: adjective]
Example
We had a serendipitous meeting at the coffee shop and ended up becoming good friends. [serendipitous: adjective]
chance
Example
There's a chance of rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella just in case. [chance: noun]
Example
I took a chance and applied for the job, even though I didn't meet all the qualifications. [chance: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chance is more commonly used than serendipitous in everyday language. Chance is a common word that covers a wide range of contexts, while serendipitous is less common and is typically used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between serendipitous and chance?
Serendipitous is generally considered more formal than chance. It is often used in academic or scientific writing to describe unexpected discoveries or occurrences, while chance can be used in both formal and informal contexts.