Words / B2

koh-INS-id-uh-ns/kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns/

A coincidence is two things happening at the same time by chance: a coincidence that we met, pure coincidence. Accident is a mishap; luck is broader. Coincide is the verb (already in the dictionary). Coincidental is the adjective. In speech, by chance is enough. Do not call a planned meeting a coincidence, and do not use coincidence as proof in an essay — chance is not evidence of a cause.

Meaning

When two things happen at the same time by chance, not by plan.

Examples

• “It was a coincidence that we booked the same train.”
• “It was no coincidence that both reports appeared the day before the vote.”
• “Booking the same café was a coincidence; neither of us had texted.”

Good to know

Chance timing, not a plan. Verb: coincide. Everyday: by chance. Contrast: accident (mishap). Not evidence of cause.

Near in meaning

chance

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