Happenstance Meaning
/ˈhæpənˌstæns/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe chance or random quality of an event or circumstance.
nounA chance or random event or circumstance.
Sentence Examples
We met by happenstance.
Were they destined to meet, or was it just happenstance?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Meeting my old friend at the airport was pure ____, not planned at all.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Our meeting was pure ____, but it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened.
Word Origin & History
Blend of happening + circumstance. Attested from 1855 in US publications.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action."
— 1964, Goldfinger, spoken by James Bond (Sean Connery):
"Dammit, man this is the gift from God / This ain't happenstance"
— 2001, “People Talkin'”, in MTV Unplugged, performed by Jay-Z:
"So the orthography of many of our words is the result of a mere happenstance[…]"
— 1855 March 31, “Sketch of Mr William Denton's Address at the Ohio State Phonetic Institution, 29th December, 1854”, in The Phonetic Journal, volume 14, Frederick Pitman, page 148:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Meeting my old friend at the airport was pure ____, not planned at all.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Our meeting was pure ____, but it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened.