Chance vs. Coincidence: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Chance refers to the possibility of something happening, while coincidence is when two unplanned events occur together meaningfully but without causal connection.
Key Differences
Chance represents the likelihood or probability of an event occurring, often used in the context of uncertain outcomes. Coincidence, in contrast, refers to the occurrence of two or more events at the same time by chance but with a striking connection or similarity.
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Nov 22, 2023
In the realm of probability, chance is quantifiable; it can be expressed in percentages or odds. Coincidence, however, is qualitative, focusing on the surprising alignment of events that are not causally related.
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Nov 22, 2023
Chance can be manipulated or influenced by external factors; for example, in games of luck, probabilities can change with different rules. Coincidence, on the other hand, is purely incidental, often perceived as remarkable because of its unexpected nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
While chance is a fundamental concept in statistics and probability theory, coincidence is more aligned with human perception, often invoking a sense of wonder or intrigue due to the rarity of such occurrences.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
In everyday language, chance is commonly used to describe potential future events, while coincidence typically refers to a surprising alignment of past or current events.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Possibility of something happening
Two or more events occurring together unexpectedly
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Nov 22, 2023
Quantifiability
Often quantifiable (e.g., in percentages)
Not quantifiable; based on perception
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Nov 22, 2023
Relation to Causality
Does not imply causality
Specifically lacks causal connection
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Nov 22, 2023
Usage in Language
Related to future possibilities
Pertains to past or present occurrences
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Nov 22, 2023
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Chance and Coincidence Definitions
Chance
A possibility of something happening.
There's a good chance of rain tomorrow.
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Nov 22, 2023
Coincidence
An unexpected occurrence of related events.
The coincidence of our ideas was surprising.
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Nov 22, 2023
Chance
Randomness in the occurrence of events.
The lottery is a game of chance.
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Nov 22, 2023
Coincidence
A remarkable concurrence of events without apparent causal connection.
Meeting my childhood friend in a foreign country was a coincidence.
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Nov 22, 2023
Chance
The unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Coincidence
Two or more events occurring at the same time by chance.
Our vacations overlapped by coincidence.
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Nov 22, 2023
Chance
A force assumed to cause events that cannot be foreseen or controlled; luck
Chance will determine the outcome.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
Simultaneity of events that appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection.
It was a coincidence that we wore the same dress.
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Nov 22, 2023
Chance
Often chances The likelihood of something happening; possibility or probability
Chances are good that you will win. Is there any chance of rain?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
An accidental sequence of events that seem prearranged.
The coincidence of our meeting at the café seemed like fate.
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Nov 22, 2023
Chance
An accidental or unpredictable event
"He sprang to his feet and turned to run. At the same moment by a lucky chance the moon broke through the clouds" (Arthur Conan Doyle).
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
The state or fact of occupying the same relative position or area in space.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
A sequence of events that although accidental seems to have been planned or arranged.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
Of objects, the property of being coincident; occurring at the same time or place.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
Of events, the appearance of a meaningful connection when there is none.
That the two writers were born and died on the same day is just a coincidence, although there are many conspiracy theories about it.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(Baseball) An opportunity to make a putout or an assist that counts as an error if unsuccessful.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
Caused by or ascribable to chance; unexpected, random, or casual
A chance encounter.
A chance result.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
(geometry) A fixed point of a correspondence; a point of a variety corresponding to itself under a correspondence.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To take the risk or hazard of
We thought we could jump over the puddle, but we were not willing to chance it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
The condition of occupying the same place in space; as, the coincidence of circles, surfaces, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To have the fortune (to be or do something); happen
"My eye chanced to fall on the wizened houseplant on the windowsill" (Elisabeth Brink).
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
The condition or fact of happening at the same time; as, the coincidence of the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
Used with the impersonal subject it and a following clause or infinitive to indicate the occurrence of a usually unexpected or chance event
"Now it chanced that this car-line was owned by gentlemen who were trying to make money" (Upton Sinclair).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
Exact correspondence in nature, character, result, circumstances, etc.; concurrence; agreement.
The very concurrence and coincidence of so many evidences . . . carries a great weight.
Those who discourse . . . of the nature of truth . . . affirm a perfect coincidence between truth and goodness.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(countable) An opportunity or possibility.
We had the chance to meet the president last week.
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
An event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(uncountable) Random occurrence; luck.
Why leave it to chance when a few simple steps will secure the desired outcome?
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Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
The quality of occupying the same position or area in space;
He waited for the coincidence of the target and the cross hairs
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(countable) The probability of something happening.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain tomorrow.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coincidence
The temporal property of two things happening at the same time;
The interval determining the coincidence gate is adjustable
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To happen by chance, to occur.
It chanced that I found a solution the very next day.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To discover something by chance.
He chanced upon a kindly stranger who showed him the way.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(Belize) To rob, cheat or swindle someone.
The car broke down a week after I bought it. I was chanced by that fast-talking salesman.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
A supposed material or psychical agent or mode of activity other than a force, law, or purpose; fortune; fate; - in this sense often personified.
It is strictly and philosophically true in nature and reason that there is no such thing as chance or accident; it being evident that these words do not signify anything really existing, anything that is truly an agent or the cause of any event; but they signify merely men's ignorance of the real and immediate cause.
Any society into which chance might throw him.
That powerWhich erring men call Chance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
The operation or activity of such agent.
By chance a priest came down that way.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
The supposed effect of such an agent; something that befalls, as the result of unknown or unconsidered forces; the issue of uncertain conditions; an event not calculated upon; an unexpected occurrence; a happening; accident; fortuity; casualty.
In the field of observation, chance favors only the mind that is prepared.
It was a chance that happened to us.
The Knave of Diamonds tries his wily arts,And wins (O shameful chance!) the Queen of Hearts.
I spake of most disastrous chance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
A possibility; a likelihood; an opportunity; - with reference to a doubtful result; as, a chance to escape; a chance for life; the chances are all against him.
So weary with disasters, tugged with fortune.That I would get my life on any chance,To mend it, or be rid on 't
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To happen, come, or arrive, without design or expectation.
If a bird's nest chance to be before thee.
I chanced on this letter.
How chance, thou art returned so soon?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To take the chances of; to venture upon; - usually with it as object.
Come what will, I will chance it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
A possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances;
The holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington
Now is your chance
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another;
Bad luck caused his downfall
We ran into each other by pure chance
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
A measure of how likely it is that some event will occur;
What is the probability of rain?
We have a good chance of winning
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
Take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;
When you buy these stocks you are gambling
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
Come upon, as if by accident; meet with;
We find this idea in Plato
I happened upon the most wonderful bakery not very far from here
She chanced upon an interesting book in the bookstore the other day
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chance
Occurring or appearing or singled out by chance;
Their accidental meeting led to a renewal of their friendship
Seek help from casual passers-by
A casual meeting
A chance occurrence
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
The occurrence of events without apparent cause.
By chance, I found a $20 bill on the street.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Chance
A risk involving uncertain outcomes.
I took a chance and applied for the job.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Chance
An opportunity or possibility.
I had the chance to meet my favorite author.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is chance used in everyday language?
Often to express potential or risk.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is chance always random?
Generally, but it can be influenced by external factors.
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Nov 22, 2023
What is a coincidence?
An unexpected occurrence of events at the same time without causal connection.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can chance lead to coincidence?
Yes, random chances can result in coincidences.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is chance involved in games?
Yes, many games are based on elements of chance.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do coincidences have meaning?
They are often perceived as meaningful, though they have no causal relationship.
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Nov 22, 2023
How do people react to coincidences?
Often with surprise or a sense of wonder.
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Nov 22, 2023
How is chance different from coincidence?
Chance is about probabilities, while coincidence is about surprising alignments.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do people often confuse chance with certainty?
Yes, especially when probabilities are high.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is it possible to predict coincidences?
No, due to their random and unplanned nature.
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Nov 22, 2023
How do scientists view chance?
As a fundamental element in statistics and probability.
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Nov 22, 2023
Are coincidences significant in science?
They can be, often leading to new hypotheses or discoveries.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Are coincidences always positive?
Not necessarily, they can be neutral or even negative.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Do coincidences imply fate?
Some may interpret them as fate, but they are random.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can we increase our chances of something?
In some cases, by influencing relevant factors.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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