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serendipity

noun

/ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪti/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of serendipity

The phenomenon of finding or discovering valuable or fortunate things by chance.
"The serendipity of discovering a new use for the medicine was a major breakthrough."

Detailed meaning of serendipity

It can also refer to the quality of making such discoveries by chance. For example, finding a valuable antique at a garage sale is an example of serendipity, as is the discovery of a new use for a medicine that was originally developed for a different purpose. Serendipity is often used to describe situations where something good or useful is found unexpectedly.

Example sentences containing serendipity

1. Their enduring love story is a testament to the power of serendipity in our lives.
2. Serendipity led them to stumble upon a long-lost family heirloom in the attic.
3. In scientific research, serendipity often paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries.
4. The chance encounter at the art gallery was a serendipitous moment that changed their lives.
5. Serendipity brought them to the same crossroads, where their destinies intertwined.
6. The inventor's life was marked by moments of serendipity that sparked innovation.

History and etymology of serendipity

The noun 'serendipity' has a charming and somewhat serendipitous etymology. It is derived from the Persian fairy tale 'The Three Princes of Serendip,' which tells the story of three princes from the island of Serendip (an old name for Sri Lanka) who possessed a knack for making unexpected and fortunate discoveries through their keen observations and clever deductions. The term was first coined by English writer Horace Walpole in a letter in the 18th century, where he praised this ability to find valuable or fortunate things by chance as 'serendipity.' The word caught on and came to represent the idea of making fortunate discoveries or finding unexpected treasures through accidental or coincidental means. Its etymology charmingly mirrors the concept it describes, as it was coined by chance to describe the phenomenon of chance discoveries.

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Further usage examples of serendipity

1. Serendipity smiled upon them, guiding them to a picturesque, hidden oasis in the desert.
2. They attributed their incredible journey to serendipity, always open to new adventures.
3. The writer's most profound ideas often emerged through serendipitous encounters.
4. Serendipity transformed their small business into a thriving enterprise.
5. The photographer had an uncanny ability to capture the beauty of serendipitous moments.
6. Serendipity led them to the remote cabin where they found a journal filled with mysteries.
7. Their love was a serendipitous connection, growing stronger with each passing day.
8. Serendipity is the unexpected spark that fuels the artist's creative process.
9. They held the belief that serendipity had a hand in shaping the course of their lives.
10. Serendipity guided their paths to cross, forever altering the trajectory of their journey.
11. They reveled in the serendipitous moments that enriched their shared history.
12. Serendipity can turn a mundane day into an extraordinary adventure.
13. The novelist found inspiration in the serendipitous encounters of everyday life.
14. They put their trust in serendipity to bring unexpected joy into their world.
15. Serendipity is the magic that can transform a wrong turn into a delightful discovery.
16. Their fateful meeting was the result of a serendipitous twist of fate.
17. Serendipity often rewards those who maintain an open heart and an open mind.
18. They viewed serendipity as a guiding force that shaped their unique story.
19. Serendipity surprises us when we least expect it, leaving us with cherished memories.
20. They unearthed their dream job through the serendipitous alignment of circumstances.
21. Serendipity led them on a lifelong journey of adventure, exploration, and wonder.
22. They celebrated the serendipitous moments that infused their lives with magic.
23. Serendipity brought them closer in ways they could have never predicted.
24. The tapestry of life is woven with threads of serendipitous encounters, making it rich and diverse.