serendipity

/,seren'dipiti/
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serendipity

A researcher finds a rare fossil by serendipity while on a hike.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries: The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. It describes the phenomenon of finding valuable or pleasant things that were not being sought.
Usage
  • General Use: Used to describe a fortunate accident or a pleasant surprise. It emphasizes the role of chance and luck in a positive outcome.
  • Context: Commonly used in contexts involving scientific discovery, creative inspiration, or personal life events where an unplanned event leads to a beneficial result.
Examples
  • The discovery of penicillin was a classic case of serendipity.
  • I found this wonderful little bookstore by pure serendipity while getting lost in the city.
  • Their meeting was not planned; it was a happy serendipity.
Advanced Usage
  • "Serendipity of...": Used to specify the nature or domain of the fortunate discovery.
    • The research project benefited from the serendipity of a misplaced lab sample.
  • "An element of serendipity": Indicates that chance played a role in a successful outcome.
    • While skill is important, there is always an element of serendipity in a successful career.
Variants and Related Words
  • Serendipitous (adj): Obtained or characterized by serendipity; fortunate and unexpected.
    • We had a serendipitous encounter that changed everything.
  • Serendipitously (adv): In a serendipitous manner.
    • The solution was found serendipitously during an unrelated experiment.
Synonyms
  • Fortuity: An accidental occurrence.
  • Chance: Something that happens unpredictably without discernible human intention.
  • Fluke: A chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck.
  • Happy accident: An unplanned event with a favorable outcome.
Antonyms
  • Misfortune: Bad luck.
  • Design: Purposeful planning or intention.
Idioms and Phrases
  • "A stroke of serendipity": An instance of unexpected good luck.
    • Finding that rare book at the flea market was a stroke of serendipity.
  • "Blind serendipity": Emphasizes the complete lack of intention or foresight in the lucky discovery.
    • The breakthrough was not due to careful planning but to blind serendipity.
serendipity

A researcher finds a rare fossil by serendipity while on a hike.

Noun
  1. good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries