serendipity
US
/sˌɛɹəndˈɪpᵻɾi/
/sˌɛɹəndˈɪpᵻɾi/
the pleasant surprise of finding something good by chance
Definitions
-
1
the occurrence of finding valuable or pleasant things by accident
“Meeting her old friend at the airport was pure serendipity.”
Meeting her old friend at the airport was pure serendipity. (i.e., a fortunate accident)
-
2
a talent or tendency for making fortunate discoveries by chance
“The scientist credited serendipity for his unexpected breakthrough.”
The scientist credited serendipity for his unexpected breakthrough. (i.e., lucky discovery)
Word forms
- Usage
- Uncountable noun; rarely used in plural form. Slightly formal/literary register, common in writing about discoveries, luck, or coincidences.
This word has a pleasant, almost magical connotation and is often used positively, unlike plain words such as 'luck' or 'coincidence'.