What is coincidence? Pronunciation and usage in English

coincidence means . Learn how to pronounce and use coincidence through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of coincidence

coincidencenoun

/kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns//kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "coincidence." It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is generally divided into three syllables:

  • co - as in "coat"
  • in - as in "in"
  • ci - as in "see"
  • dence - as in "defense"

2. Pronunciation (with emphasis):

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

ˈkɒɪn.sɪdəns

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈkɒɪn: The "co" is pronounced like "coin." The "i" is a short "i" sound, like in "bit."
  • sɪnd: This is the tricky part. The "in" sound is short. The "d" is silent.
  • əns: This syllable ends with a schwa sound - a very short, neutral vowel sound. Think of the "a" in "about."

3. Phonetic Transcription (for clarity):

You might see it written phonetically as: /kəˈnaɪnsɪdəns/

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t stress the "c" too much. It’s a soft "co."
  • The "d" in "dence" is silent. This is a very common mistake.
  • The final "s" is pronounced. Don't drop it!
  • The schwa sound (ə) in "əns" is key. It’s a very relaxed, unstressed vowel.

Resources to Listen:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker or are you learning?
  • What specifically are you struggling with when pronouncing it? (e.g., the "d", the schwa sound)?

Usage and examples with the word coincidence in English

Let's break down how to use the word "coincidence" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, and understanding how to use it correctly will make your conversations and writing clearer.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Coincidence means a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection. In simpler terms, it's when two (or more) things happen at the same time that seem like a strange accident or a pattern that shouldn't be there.

2. Common Ways to Use "Coincidence":

  • Describing Unexpected Events: This is the most common use.

    • "It's a coincidence that we both chose the same restaurant tonight!" (We both picked the same place by chance.)
    • "Meeting him at the supermarket was a complete coincidence." (Meeting him was purely accidental.)
    • "It’s a coincidence that I ran into you here – I wasn’t expecting to."

  • Suggesting a Connection (Often with a hint of mystery): Sometimes, "coincidence" is used to imply a deeper, perhaps more meaningful, connection between events, even if it's not actually a cause-and-effect relationship. This is a more nuanced use.

    • "Their meeting in Paris was a strange coincidence – they'd never met before." (It feels a bit too perfect to be random.)
    • "The timing of the two events was a remarkable coincidence." (Suggesting perhaps they weren't just random.)

  • Expressing Surprise or Wonder: You can use it to express that you find something remarkable.

    • "That was a lucky coincidence!" (I was surprised that it happened.)

3. Grammar & Sentence Structure:

  • Noun: "Coincidence" is almost always used as a noun – a thing. (e.g., “It was a strange coincidence.”)
  • Phrases: It often appears in phrases:
    • A strange coincidence: (emphasizes the unusual nature)
    • A lucky coincidence: (implies a positive outcome)
    • A remarkable coincidence: (highlights the unexpectedness)

4. Distinguishing from "Chance" or "Accident":

  • While "chance" and "accident" are similar, "coincidence" often carries a slightly stronger feeling of remarkableness or seeming to have a deeper meaning. "Chance" is more general. "Accident" implies something unfortunate.

    • "It was just a chance encounter." (A simple, random meeting.)
    • "It was an accident – I tripped and spilled the drink." (Unintentional and regrettable.)
    • "It was a fortunate coincidence - I met my future business partner." (Suggests something more positive and possibly significant.)

5. Example Sentences (Varied Uses):

  • Simple: “Meeting you here is a complete coincidence.”
  • More Descriptive: “The fact that both planes were delayed and I missed my flight was a bizarre coincidence.”
  • Suggesting a Pattern: “Finding that specific antique shop on the same street as my grandmother’s old house felt like a significant coincidence.”
  • Expressing Wonder: “It was a remarkable coincidence that we both started wearing the same color shirt today.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking of using "coincidence" in? (e.g., casual conversation, writing a story, an essay?)

Synonyms for the word coincidence

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