What does coincidence mean?
A coincidence is the occurrence of two or more events at the same time or in a strikingly similar way without any evident causal link, making their conjunction seem surprising or meaningful. The word is most often used with modifiers such as "pure," "sheer," or "remarkable" — as in "it was pure coincidence that we arrived on the same day." A second, more formal sense describes exact correspondence or agreement between two things, as when two reports show a close coincidence of details. The word carries no inherent judgement: speakers may treat coincidences as charming quirks of fate, suspicious patterns, or statistically unremarkable outcomes. Because humans are naturally inclined to seek meaning, coincidence is a word that invites reflection on chance versus design, which helps explain its frequent appearance in conversation, fiction, and discussions of probability.
nounA coincidence is a situation in which two or more events happen at the same time or in an unexpected way, without any apparent causal connection, so that their occurring together seems remarkable. It also denotes the fact of corresponding exactly in some detail.
- A notable occurrence of two or more events happening together by chance, without apparent causal connection.
- Exact correspondence or agreement in detail between two things.
"By pure coincidence, we had both booked the same tiny hotel in Lisbon."
"Meeting my old schoolmate on a remote hiking trail was an astonishing coincidence."
"There is a close coincidence between the two accounts of the accident."
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple instances of chance concurrence.
"The novel is full of improbable coincidences."
The word 'coincidence' literally means 'falling together' — from Latin cadere, 'to fall' — so every coincidence is really just two things falling into the same moment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coincidence
Coincidence derives from the Medieval Latin "coincidentia", formed from the verb "coincidere", meaning "to fall together" or "to agree" — from Latin "co-" (together) and "cadere" (to fall). The term entered English in the early 17th century, initially used in geometry and astronomy to describe points or events occupying the same position or moment, before extending to its modern sense of chance concurrence of events. It shares its Latin root "cadere" with words such as "incident," "accident," and "decadent."
Related word forms
How coincidence is actually used
Neutral to slightly informal in everyday use; common in both speech and writing. Often modified by adjectives such as "pure," "sheer," "strange," or "remarkable." In scientific or statistical contexts it can carry a slightly sceptical tone, implying that an apparent pattern is not meaningful.
Easily confused with coincidence
"Incidence" means the rate or frequency at which something occurs, while "coincidence" refers to two things happening together by chance.