easy
While looking for a map, Leo discovered a book that became his favourite; that was serendipity.
What does Serendipity mean?
Serendipity is finding something good when you were not looking for it.
Dictionary definition
The good fortune of unexpectedly finding something useful or pleasing; also a knack for making such discoveries.
Example sentences
Serendipity in a sentence
medium
By serendipity, a wrong turn led us to a free outdoor concert.
medium
The designer credited both careful work and serendipity for the unexpected colour combination.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Serendipity
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Which situation most clearly illustrates serendipity?
The helpful note is a welcome discovery made while seeking something else.
Practice 2
Why is coincidence not always serendipity?
Serendipity adds a fortunate discovery or outcome; two events occurring together need not do that.
Practice 3
Choose the adjective: "It was a ___ meeting that led to a new friendship."
Serendipitous describes the meeting. Serendipity names the idea, and serendipitously is an adverb.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Serendipity
Voice settings
Sounds like
seh · run · dip · uh · tee · strongest beat: dip
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSerendipity.
Partnoun.
MeaningSerendipity is finding something good when you were not looking for it.
ExampleExample: While looking for a map, Leo discovered a book that became his favourite; that was serendipity.
Word breakdown
5 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- seh · run · dip · uh · tee
- Strongest beat
- dip
- Ending
- tee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on dip.
Your turn
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Synonym review
Does Serendipity have synonyms?
Luck and chance do not by themselves express an unexpected beneficial discovery. They are related words, not precise substitutes for this teaching sense.
Antonym review
Does Serendipity have an opposite?
Misfortune describes a bad outcome but does not directly reverse unexpected beneficial discovery. Planning contrasts with chance, not with the whole meaning of serendipity.
Word family
Serendipity word family
Base word
serendipity
adjective
serendipitous
Describing a useful or pleasing discovery that happens unexpectedly.
adverb
serendipitously
Through an unexpected fortunate discovery or encounter.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Serendipity
Hint for students
Look for two clues: something was unexpected, and the discovery was useful or welcome. Serendipity often appears in reflective or literary writing.
Common mix-up
Serendipity is not just any accident or coincidence, and it does not mean fate. It is usually uncountable: by serendipity. Serendipities can refer to separate fortunate discoveries, but is less usual.
Try it in class or at home
Have students write two short discovery stories, one planned and one unexpected. Partners identify which shows serendipity and underline both the surprise and the benefit.
Teacher prompt
Compare "I found the book I reserved" with "I found a wonderful book while searching for a map." Which better illustrates serendipity, and why?
Learning activities
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