coincidental - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
coincidental Word Meanings
- occurring by chance
- not planned or intended
- happening at the same time unintentionally
coincidental Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
coincidental Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəʊɪnˈsɪd(ə)nt(ə)l/
US
/koʊɪnˈsɪdən(t)əl/
coincidental Word Etymology
coincidental: from Latin 'coincidere' (to meet together, coincide) + suffix '-al'. Originated through Old French into English in the 14th century. Picture a clock with two hands coinciding at noon, representing moments that appear together by chance.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Coincidental describes events or similarities that happen by chance without any deliberate planning. It highlights a perceived connection between two things that turns out not to be caused by an intentional act. This adjective is often used for meetings, discoveries, or features that occur at the same time or in the same place purely by luck. For example, a coincidental meeting with a friend in a distant city, or a coincidental similarity between two unrelated stories. Note that a noun form is 'a coincidence,' and 'fortuitous' or 'serendipitous' carry different shades of luck or pleasant outcomes.
Usage Reminders
- - Use coincidental to describe events that happen by chance and seem connected but are not planned.
- - It is an adjective; you can say a coincidental meeting or a coincidental similarity.
- - Do not imply luck or fate; for luck use fortuitous or serendipitous.
- - It often follows 'It was' or precedes a noun phrase, as in 'a coincidental meeting.'
- - Common collocations include coincidental timing and coincidental resemblance.
Common Misconceptions
- People often mix up 'coincidental' with the noun 'coincidence'.
- It does not mean something is planned or intentional.
- It does not always imply luck or a positive outcome.
- It cannot describe a person directly; we say 'a coincidental meeting' rather than 'a coincidental person'.
- Some learners try to use it for dramatic effect; in common speech 'coincidental' is neutral.
Thinking Differences
In English, coincidental focuses on a neutral, happened-to-be-connected-by-chance sense. Learners often treat it like a synonym of fortuitous, but fortuitous carries luck. Practice with everyday pairings (meeting, similarity) and avoid overusing it for things that are clearly planned.
Learning Tips
- Explore 6 more practical collocations with coincidences.
- Record and compare sentences using 'coincidental' vs 'fortuitous'.
- Keep the subject and the event aligned: 'a coincidental meeting' vs 'a coincidental similarity'.
- Use It was coincidental that ... to introduce the observation.
- Note subtlety: reserve 'serendipitous' for pleasant surprises, not mere chance.
- Practice with short dialogues describing chance encounters.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'coincidental' mean?
A.Happening by chance or without intention
B.Planned or deliberate
C.Unrelated events
D.Intentional
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'coincidental' correctly?
A.Their meeting was purely coincidental and unexpected.
B.The coincidental outcome of the tournament was impressive.
C.It was coincidental that I forgot my umbrella when it was raining.
D.He made a coincidental plan to surprise his friend.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'coincidental'?
A.Accidental
B.Deliberate
C.Intentional
D.Predictable
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'coincidental'?
A.Random
B.Intentional
C.Innocent
D.Coincidence
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'coincidental' fits?
A.I ran into my friend at the coffee shop, which was surprising.
B.They planned a vacation together at the same time.
C.The events that led to their discovery were purely coincidental.
D.It rained unexpectedly during their picnic.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App