english word · 2026-06-23
serendipity
noun
Meaning
The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. It describes the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.
Etymology
Coined by Horace Walpole in 1754 from the Persian fairy tale 'The Three Princes of Serendip', whose heroes were always making discoveries by accidents and sagacity.
Examples
"It was pure serendipity that I found the rare first edition hidden behind a stack of old magazines."
"Their meeting at the crowded airport felt like a stroke of serendipity that changed both of their lives forever."
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