English · Culture & Society
serendipity
/ˌsɛr.ənˈdɪp.ə.ti/
[/ˌsɛr.ənˈdɪp.ə.ti/]
a happy accident
Advancednoun
Definition
Serendipity is the occurrence of fortunate discoveries by chance. Speakers describe how openness invites serendipity into our lives.
Example
Their meeting was a moment of pure serendipity.
Their meeting was a moment of pure serendipity.
Etymology
Coined by Horace Walpole in 1754 from the Persian tale 'The Three Princes of Serendip'.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in talks on creativity and chance discoveries.
Literary Heritage
Coined by writer Horace Walpole, inspired by a Persian fairy tale.