Serendipitous
Adjective
Definition: Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Synonyms: Fortuitous, Accidental, Unexpected
Antonyms: Intentional, Planned, Deliberate
- The serendipitous meeting led to a collaboration that changed their lives.
- By a serendipitous encounter, he found the solution to his problem.
- "Serendipitous" sounds similar to "serendipity," which means a fortunate discovery by chance.
Etymology:
The word "serendipitous" dates back to the mid-20th century and is derived from the term "serendipity," which was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754. The term was inspired by the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip," where the princes made accidental and unexpected discoveries.
Historical Usage:The term gained popularity in the 20th century as a way to describe happy or fortuitous discoveries.
Related Idioms:
"Serendipitous moment"
Explanation:Refers to a specific instance or event that is characterized by unexpected luck or a positive outcome.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "serendipitous" with other similar-sounding words like "serene" or "serendipity."
Explanation:While the words may sound similar, they have different meanings. "Serendipitous" specifically relates to chance discoveries or events, while "serene" means calm or peaceful, and "serendipity" refers to fortunate accidents or discoveries.