French Conversation · Level 57
74 words
French word
coïncidence
Pronunciation
IPA/koɛ̃sidɑ̃s/
Meaning
- feminine nouncoincidence
Example
C'était une coïncidence qu'ils se rencontrent au même café.
It was a coincidence that they met at the same cafe.
More examples
Par coïncidence, j'ai retrouvé mon portefeuille dans le métro.
By coincidence, I found my wallet again on the subway.
Core concept
Unconnected events unexpectedly meet at one point and appear to match without a known cause.
Common phrases
par coïncidence
by coincidence
quelle coïncidence !
what a coincidence!
une coïncidence fortuite
an accidental coincidence
Similar words
hasard: An accidental occurrence beyond prediction or control.
chance: Good fortune resulting from favorable circumstances.
accident: An unexpected harmful event or mishap.
Definition in French
Une coïncidence désigne la réunion fortuite de faits ou d'événements qui semblent s'accorder sans qu'un lien causal soit établi.
Word origin
French coïncidence derives from Latin coincidentia, related to coincidere 'to fall together', with co- meaning 'together' and cadere meaning 'to fall'.
Usage tips
- The diaeresis in coïncidence marks separate vowel sounds, so the opening is not the single French sound written by oi.