Coincidence vs. Chance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Coincidence refers to the occurrence of events that seem related but aren't caused by one another; Chance is the likelihood of a particular event happening.
Difference Between Coincidence and Chance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms Coincidence and Chance often intersect in casual conversation, but they represent different concepts. A coincidence pertains to the surprising alignment of two or more unrelated events. For instance, running into a childhood friend in a foreign country would be considered a coincidence. Chance, on the other hand, describes the probability or odds of something happening.
When we discuss Coincidence, we're emphasizing the unexpected convergence of events without implying any causal relationship. It's an observation post-event, where we recognize the unexpected alignment. Conversely, Chance is a concept we generally consider before an event occurs. It's used to estimate the likelihood of that event taking place.
Coincidence does not offer any predictive value. Just because two events coincidentally happened simultaneously in the past does not mean they'll occur together in the future. Chance, however, plays a significant role in prediction. For instance, in games of dice or cards, players often calculate the chances to strategize their moves.
A fascinating aspect of Coincidence is the human tendency to seek patterns or assign meaning to them, even when they're purely random. This contrasts with Chance, where people might use statistics and data to make informed predictions or decisions.
In summary, while Coincidence describes the serendipitous occurrence of unrelated events, Chance refers to the probability or likelihood of a particular event or outcome.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Occurrence of related events without causal connection
Likelihood of an event occurring
Nature
Observational, retrospective
Predictive, prospective
Relies on
Perception and surprise
Statistics and probability
Implication
No inherent causality
Potential causality
Usage
Describes unexpected alignment
Estimates likelihood
Compare with Definitions
Coincidence
A surprising alignment of unrelated events.
It was a coincidence that we both wore the same dress to the party.
Chance
An opportunity to do something.
He took a chance and invested in the new company.
Coincidence
Events occurring at the same time by accident.
By coincidence, they both reached the cafe at the exact same moment.
Chance
The likelihood of a specific outcome.
What's the chance of winning the lottery?
Coincidence
An occurrence without causal connection.
Their similar ideas were purely a coincidence.
Chance
The unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause.
Coincidence
A serendipitous event or circumstance.
It's no mere coincidence that they met at the library; they both love books.
Chance
A force assumed to cause events that cannot be foreseen or controlled; luck
Chance will determine the outcome.
Coincidence
A situation where events seem related but aren't.
The simultaneous power outages in both cities were a coincidence.
Chance
Often chances The likelihood of something happening; possibility or probability
Chances are good that you will win. Is there any chance of rain?.
Coincidence
A coincidence is a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances that have no apparent causal connection with one another. The perception of remarkable coincidences may lead to supernatural, occult, or paranormal claims.
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).
Coincidence
A remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection
They met by coincidence
It was a coincidence that she was wearing a jersey like Laura's
Chance
A favorable set of circumstances; an opportunity
A chance to escape.
Coincidence
The fact of corresponding in nature or in time of occurrence
The coincidence of interest between the mining companies and certain politicians
Chance
A risk or hazard; a gamble
Took a chance that the ice would hold me.
Coincidence
The presence of ionizing particles or other objects in two or more detectors simultaneously, or of two or more signals simultaneously in a circuit.
Chance
(Games) A raffle or lottery ticket.
Coincidence
The state or fact of occupying the same relative position or area in space.
Chance
(Baseball) An opportunity to make a putout or an assist that counts as an error if unsuccessful.
Coincidence
A sequence of events that although accidental seems to have been planned or arranged.
Chance
Caused by or ascribable to chance; unexpected, random, or casual
A chance encounter.
A chance result.
Coincidence
Of objects, the property of being coincident; occurring at the same time or place.
Chance
To take the risk or hazard of
We thought we could jump over the puddle, but we were not willing to chance it.
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.
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).
Coincidence
(analysis) A coincidence point.
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).
Coincidence
(geometry) A fixed point of a correspondence; a point of a variety corresponding to itself under a correspondence.
Chance
(countable) An opportunity or possibility.
We had the chance to meet the president last week.
Coincidence
The condition of occupying the same place in space; as, the coincidence of circles, surfaces, etc.
Chance
(uncountable) Random occurrence; luck.
Why leave it to chance when a few simple steps will secure the desired outcome?
Coincidence
The condition or fact of happening at the same time; as, the coincidence of the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
Chance
(countable) The probability of something happening.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain tomorrow.
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.
Chance
(in plural as chances) probability; possibility.
Coincidence
An event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental
Chance
What befalls or happens to a person; their lot or fate.
Coincidence
The quality of occupying the same position or area in space;
He waited for the coincidence of the target and the cross hairs
Chance
Happening by chance, casual.
Coincidence
The temporal property of two things happening at the same time;
The interval determining the coincidence gate is adjustable
Chance
(obsolete) Perchance; perhaps.
Chance
To happen by chance, to occur.
It chanced that I found a solution the very next day.
Chance
To befall; to happen to.
Chance
To try or risk.
Shall we carry the umbrella, or chance a rainstorm?
Chance
To discover something by chance.
He chanced upon a kindly stranger who showed him the way.
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.
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.
Chance
The operation or activity of such agent.
By chance a priest came down that way.
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.
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
Chance
Probability.
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?
Chance
To take the chances of; to venture upon; - usually with it as object.
Come what will, I will chance it.
Chance
To befall; to happen to.
Chance
Happening by chance; casual.
Chance
By chance; perchance.
Chance
A possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances;
The holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington
Now is your chance
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
Chance
A risk involving danger;
You take a chance when you let her drive
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
Chance
Be the case by chance;
I chanced to meet my old friend in the street
Chance
Take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;
When you buy these stocks you are gambling
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
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
Chance
The probability of something occurring.
There's a high chance of rain tomorrow.
Chance
The occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious intention or cause.
It was by chance that they met in the park.
Chance
An element of unpredictability.
Every venture has an element of chance.
Common Curiosities
Can Coincidences be predicted?
No, coincidences are observed after events align unexpectedly without a causal link.
How is Chance defined?
Chance denotes the probability or likelihood of an event occurring.
Is Chance always related to probability?
Primarily, but chance can also refer to an opportunity or occurrence without obvious intention.
Can we calculate Chance?
Yes, chance can often be calculated using statistics and probability measures.
Can we rely on Chance?
Chance provides an estimate of likelihood, but outcomes are never guaranteed.
What does Coincidence mean?
Coincidence refers to the unexpected alignment of unrelated events without any causal relationship.
Are Chance events always random?
Chance events have an element of unpredictability, but they might be influenced by various factors.
Can Coincidence and Chance overlap?
While distinct, an event might be a coincidence for one person and a calculated chance for another.
Why do people often attribute meaning to Coincidences?
Humans have a tendency to seek patterns and make sense of unexpected alignments, even if they're random.
Are Coincidences purely random?
Yes, coincidences are random alignments of events without any causal connection.
Do Coincidences have meanings?
While humans often seek patterns, coincidences don't inherently have meanings beyond unexpected alignment.
How does Chance affect decision-making?
People often weigh the chances of various outcomes when making decisions.
Can you give an example of both Coincidence and Chance in one sentence?
By coincidence, they both chose the same lottery numbers, but the chance of winning remained astronomically low.
Are all unexpected events Coincidences?
Not necessarily. Coincidences are surprising alignments of unrelated events without causal links.
Is there always a Chance for everything?
Most events have some chance of occurring, but some might be so improbable that they're virtually impossible.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
