synchronicity
sin-kruh-NISS-ih-tee
/ˌsɪŋkrəˈnɪsəti/
The simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection.
Implies a psychological or spiritual meaning behind the coincidence.
The story behind the word. Developed by psychologist Carl Jung to describe 'meaningful coincidences' that traditional science couldn't explain through cause-and-effect.
Word relationships
- concurrence: Concurrence is more about timing; synchronicity is about meaning.
- causality: The principle that everything has a direct, physical cause.
Commonly confused with
- simultaneity: Simultaneity is just happening at the same time; synchronicity adds a layer of significance.
Word family
- synchronous (adjective): existing or occurring at the same time
Collocations
- meaningful synchronicity
- moment of synchronicity
- uncanny synchronicity
Example sentences
- "Synchronicity is the coming together of inner and outer events in a way that cannot be explained by cause and effect and that is meaningful to the observer." Jung's original definition.
- "It was a strange moment of synchronicity when I thought of my old friend just as he called me after ten years." Modern life.
Memory hook
Sync (together) + Chron (time) = Times coming together. Jung's meaningful timing.
When not to use
Avoid using for simple simultaneous events like two people sneezing at once unless it feels 'meant to be.'
Fun facts
- The Police released an album titled 'Synchronicity' in 1983, inspired by Jung's theories.
Related words
Explore more words
simultaneous, sporadic, causality, Correlation, Synchronous, destiny
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