The terms 'serendipity' and 'serendipitous' are common on social media, and might even be something that you've encountered in an article, movie or book. If you need more context to the words and how to use these terms correctly, this post unpacks the meaning and origin of 'serendipity' and tells you how to use it right.
Meaning
The term 'serendipity' means that something good has happened by total chance or can also be used to mean that things have worked out in the right way (or as people imagine things were meant to work).
'Serendipity' is a word that often is used to mean a random, good luck or positive event.
When things are said to be 'serendipitous', then it means to say that they have worked out in the exact right way or to positive, desirable consequences for everyone involved.
The term 'serendipity' is often used to represent good karma or positive things.
The term 'serendipity' can be used as a comment, as a hashtag or as part of a larger discussion if the context is clear to other users who are part of the discussion.
'Serendipity' can also very rarely be used in a sarcastic sense to signify that something is the opposite, although this is generally assumed to be clear from the rest of the discussion.
Even though the term has been around since at least the mid-1700s, it has become a lot more common as a term in the more common age of social media.
Example Usage
“If you manage to pick up some coins while walking through the park, then I'd save up all of them over the next ten years every time you find some serendipity like that.”
“Sometimes things work out just the way they are supposed to work out. Some people call it serendipitous, others just call it karma.”
“If you don't know what's waiting for you around the corner, just try and find out. You never know if it could be serendipity.”
“If you don't know what's going to happen next, then just try your best and hope that the outcome is serendipitous.”
Origin
The term 'serendipity' was first used by the writer Horace Walpole in the year 1754, and then thereafter it became a much more popular term that spread thanks to inventions like the common printing press and the creation of the first printed books.
The term 'serendipity' has a further origin than this, and goes back to the Persian word Serendip, which was used to mean the area that is today known as Sri Lanka.
Many centuries after the term was first introduced to popular discussions through the first use by Walpole, the term would resurface as a word absorbed into dictionaries – and then again, it would spike with use in literature.
The term has been used as a modern movie and book title, though has also made a common appearance on social media as more people have rediscovered the use of the term.
Today the term can be used in discussions on social media, though also appears as a hashtag as more people use the term in modern times.
Phrases Similar to Serendipity
- Chance
- Providence
Phrases Opposite to Serendipity
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Serendipity
- Serendipitous
Ways People May Say Serendipity Incorrectly
The term 'serendipity' can be used in the incorrect way for anyone who doesn't understand the meaning of the term or how to use it.
If the context is misinterpreted by anyone, then the use of the term is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Serendipity
The term 'serendipity' is often used to mean good coincidences or random good luck that might happen to people.