serendipity
seh-run-DIP-ih-tee
/ˌserənˈdɪpəti/
The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Specifically refers to the act of finding something valuable while looking for something else entirely.
The story behind the word. Coined by Horace Walpole in 1754, inspired by the Persian fairy tale 'The Three Princes of Serendip.' The princes were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things they were not in quest of.
Word relationships
- fortuity: Fortuity is more neutral about the outcome, whereas serendipity is always positive.
- misfortune: A negative event happening by chance.
Commonly confused with
- luck: Luck is broad; serendipity is the specific luck of finding things.
Word family
- serendipitous (adjective): occurring by happy chance
- serendipitously (adverb): in a serendipitous manner
Collocations
- pure serendipity
- moment of serendipity
- serendipity at work
Idioms & expressions
- happy accident
Example sentences
- "This discovery, indeed, is almost of that kind which I call Serendipity, a very expressive word." Historical origin of the word.
- "The discovery of penicillin was a classic case of serendipity, as Fleming was actually researching staphylococci." Scientific discovery.
Memory hook
Think of 'Serene Discovery'—finding something peaceful and good by accident. The Three Princes of Serendip.
When not to use
Do not use for simple good luck (like winning the lottery); it requires a 'discovery' element.
Fun facts
- Serendip is the old Persian name for the island of Sri Lanka.
Related words
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