serendipity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serendipity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fortunate or unexpected discovery or event that happens by chance. Example: "While searching for a book on history, I stumbled upon a novel that I absolutely loved; it was pure serendipity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The goal is to maintain diversity and serendipity in the Center.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Morton A. Meyers East Setauket, N.Y., Jan . 24 2011 The writer, professor of radiology and medicine at SUNY Stony Brook, is the author of "Happy Accidents: Serendipity in Modern Medical Breakthroughs".

The New York Times

Pivarnick, who once referred to herself as the "Kim Kardashian of Staten Island," has just teamed up for Barta for an infectious dance-pop single, "Serendipity," featuring The Majik Boys.

Huffington Post

My first stop-in-your-tracks moment was the Kambuka African Dance & Drum Collective thanks to the kind of serendipity that Jazz Fest specializes in providing.

Huffington Post

[iv] A Crucible Moment, 5. [vii] Jonathan D. Garrison and Audrey J. Jaeger, "From Serendipity to Resolve: Graduate Student Motivations to Teach Using Service-Learning," Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning (Spring 2014): 41-52.

Yale University

And for that stroke of serendipity, the Yankees are thankful.

The New York Times - Sports

As serendipity would have it, Columbia University connections are not hard to find.

Columbia University

So, there has been a certain amount of serendipity that has helped OPEC.

The New York Times

The Serendipity of Science and Family Do you feel like all your stars are aligned?

Science Magazine

"I shot three rolls of him and just one picture turned out -- serendipity," says Johns. 1991 | Kuwait.

Huffington Post

Whether by serendipity or Gilead Sciences' foresight in making tenofovir and Truvada accessible, there is a comprehensive portfolio for these ARV drugs when used as oral and topical PrEP.

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serendipity" to describe genuinely fortunate and unexpected discoveries, not merely planned outcomes. Ensure the context clearly indicates the accidental nature of the positive event.

Common error

Avoid using "serendipity" to describe events that were the result of careful planning or deliberate effort. "Serendipity" implies a chance occurrence, not a strategic achievement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "serendipity" is that of a noun, referring to the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Ludwig AI examples showcase its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Serendipity denotes a fortunate and unexpected discovery, a happy accident that enriches our experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing, underscoring its role as a noun used to describe chance occurrences with positive outcomes. While less frequent than everyday terms, "serendipity" finds its place across diverse domains, from news and academia to science, enriching narratives with an element of delightful surprise. Remember to reserve "serendipity" for unplanned, fortunate events, distinguishing it from results born of deliberate planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortunate coincidence

Emphasizes the accidental and lucky nature of the event.

happy accident

Highlights the unintentional but positive outcome.

lucky break

Focuses on the element of good fortune.

fluke

Suggests a completely random and unexpected occurrence.

chance encounter

Emphasizes the unplanned meeting or discovery.

providence

Implies divine intervention or fate in the occurrence.

good fortune

Highlights the positive outcome and luck involved.

unexpected discovery

Focuses on the surprise element of finding something valuable.

windfall

Suggests a sudden and unexpected gain or advantage.

fortunate turn of events

Emphasizes the positive and unplanned sequence of happenings.

FAQs

How to use "serendipity" in a sentence?

"Serendipity" is used to describe a fortunate and unexpected event or discovery. For example: "The discovery of penicillin was a moment of pure "serendipity"."

What can I say instead of "serendipity"?

You can use alternatives like "fortunate coincidence", "happy accident", or "lucky break" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "serendipity" or "fortunate planning"?

"Serendipity" describes unplanned, fortunate events, while "fortunate planning" refers to successful outcomes from deliberate strategies. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "serendipity" and "luck"?

"Luck" is a general term for chance occurrences, while "serendipity" specifically implies a fortunate discovery made by accident. Serendipity often involves finding something valuable while not directly searching for it.