Pronunciation

/ˈhæpən/

Definitions

• Verb: To occur, take place, or come about, often unexpectedly or by chance. It can also refer to the occurrence of events or actions.

Example usages:

• Happen upon: To unexpectedly encounter something or someone. For instance: “We happened upon a quaint little café while strolling through the town.”
• Something happens: An event occurs or takes place. Example: “A lot can happen in a year.”
• Happens to: Expresses that an action or state affects someone unexpectedly. Example: “The same thing happened to me yesterday.”

Phrases

• “It just so happens”: This phrase is used to convey that something has occurred coincidentally. Example: “It just so happens that I was planning to visit that city too.”
• “Let’s see what happens”: This implies waiting to observe the outcome of a situation. Example: “We’ll try this new approach and let’s see what happens.”
• “Don’t let it happen again”: This phrase is used when warning someone not to repeat a negative or unwanted action. Example: “After being late for school three times, his teacher said, ‘Don’t let it happen again.’”

Example Sentences

• Verb: “I couldn’t believe it when I happened to meet my favorite author at the bookstore.”
• “Life is full of unexpected moments; they just seem to happen.”
• “It happened that we both arrived at the same conclusion independently.”

Synonyms

• Occur
• Take place
• Arise
• Come about
• Transpire
• Materialize
• Eventuate
• Unfold
• Happenstance