happenstance
English
Etymology
Blend of happening + circumstance.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "GA" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈhæpənˌstæns/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈhap(ə)nˌstans/
Noun
happenstance (countable and uncountable, plural happenstances)
- (uncountable) The chance or random quality of an event or circumstance.
- Synonyms: accident, chance, coincidence, happenchance
- by happenstance
- 1964, Goldfinger, spoken by James Bond (Sean Connery):
- Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.
- 2001, “People Talkin'”, in MTV Unplugged, performed by Jay-Z:
- Dammit, man this is the gift from God / This ain't happenstance
- (countable) A chance or random event or circumstance.
- the happenstances of life
Derived terms
Translations
chance or random quality of an event — see also chance
|
Further reading
- “happenstance”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.