Definition

Describing something that happens by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Example

Their meeting was serendipitous, leading to a wonderful partnership.

Conversation

I had the most serendipitous encounter yesterday at the café.

Oh really? What happened?

I ran into an old friend I hadn't seen in years, and it felt so right.

That's awesome! It's funny how life brings people together like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Serendipitous is derived from 'serendipity' (coined by Horace Walpole in 1754, based on the Persian fairy tale 'The Three Princes of Serendip', where the princes made discoveries by accidents and sagacity) and the suffix '-ous' (meaning full of). The word 'serendipitous' describes events that occur by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Memory Tip

Think of the story of the 'Three Princes of Serendip' who made happy discoveries by accident — that's why serendipitous means finding something good unexpectedly.

Visually Confused Words