Coincidence vs. Chance: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Coincidence" refers to the occurrence of two or more events at the same time by accident, whereas "chance" denotes the occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious intention or cause.
Difference Between Coincidence and Chance
Coincidence and chance, while interrelated, embody distinct concepts in the context of event occurrence and probability. Coincidence pertains to the unplanned concurrence of two or more events, which may appear meaningfully connected, but are not causally related. In contrast, chance is essentially a measure or an estimation of likelihood, referring to the probability of a particular event occurring, frequently expressed as a percentage or ratio, and inherently intertwined with the principles of randomness and unpredictability.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Delving deeper, coincidence, inherently, does not impose an emphasis on the likelihood or probability of the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of events. Rather, it primarily underscores the unexpectedness and non-causal relationship between such events. Conversely, chance implicitly carries with it a quantifiable aspect, offering a means through which the probability of an event, or series of events, occurring can be expressed, analyzed, and predicted to a certain extent, acting as a fundamental concept in statistical and probabilistic studies.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
When we explore narratives or anecdotes, coincidence often introduces an element of surprise or uncanny alignment between unrelated events, forming the foundation of intriguing stories and occasionally, superstitions or beliefs in fate. On the contrary, chance navigates through the domain of possibilities and potential outcomes, often serving as a tool to evaluate risk, make predictions, or formulate strategies in various fields such as gambling, finance, and science, where the likelihood of different outcomes is a pivotal consideration.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Coincidence vs. Chance Comparison Chart
Application in Narratives
Often used for surprising events
Used to discuss probabilities
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Coincidence vs. Chance Definitions
◉Coincidence
Coincidence implies simultaneous occurrences without causal connection.
Their wearing the same shirt was a mere coincidence.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
◉Chance
Chance embodies the concept of likelihood.
There is a small chance I will attend the party.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
◉Coincidence
Coincidence relates to non-causal events seeming meaningfully related.
It was a coincidence that they shared a birthday.
Elijah
Sep 30, 2023
◉Chance
Chance describes events without apparent cause.
The meeting happened by chance in a coffee shop.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Coincidence
Coincidence is a surprising concurrence of events.
Meeting my teacher abroad was a strange coincidence.
Nolan
Sep 30, 2023
◉Chance
The unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
Coincidence implies accidental alignment without intention.
The coincidence of their arrivals caused much laughter.
Elijah
Sep 30, 2023
◉Chance
A force assumed to cause events that cannot be foreseen or controlled; luck
Chance will determine the outcome.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
Coincidence emphasizes unexpectedness in event alignment.
The coincidence of the alarms going off was startling.
Olivia
Sep 30, 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?.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
The state or fact of occupying the same relative position or area in space.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
A sequence of events that although accidental seems to have been planned or arranged.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
A favorable set of circumstances; an opportunity
a chance to escape.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
Of objects, the property of being coincident; occurring at the same time or place.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
A risk or hazard; a gamble
took a chance that the ice would hold me.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
(Baseball) An opportunity to make a putout or an assist that counts as an error if unsuccessful.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
(geometry) A fixed point of a correspondence; a point of a variety corresponding to itself under a correspondence.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
Caused by or ascribable to chance; unexpected, random, or casual
a chance encounter.
a chance result.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
The condition of occupying the same place in space; as, the coincidence of circles, surfaces, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
The condition or fact of happening at the same time; as, the coincidence of the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
(countable) An opportunity or possibility.
We had the chance to meet the president last week.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
(uncountable) Random occurrence; luck.
Why leave it to chance when a few simple steps will secure the desired outcome?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Coincidence
the temporal property of two things happening at the same time;
the interval determining the coincidence gate is adjustable
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
(countable) The probability of something happening.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain tomorrow.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
To happen by chance, to occur.
It chanced that I found a solution the very next day.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
To discover something by chance.
He chanced upon a kindly stranger who showed him the way.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
The operation or activity of such agent.
By chance a priest came down that way.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
To take the chances of; to venture upon; - usually with it as object.
Come what will, I will chance it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances;
the holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington
now is your chance
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
be the case by chance;
I chanced to meet my old friend in the street
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;
When you buy these stocks you are gambling
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Chance
Chance refers to the probability of an event occurring.
There's a high chance of rain tomorrow.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Chance
Chance indicates the potential of possibilities.
He took a chance and invested in the startup.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
◉Chance
Chance implies randomness and unpredictability.
By pure chance, she found a lost earring in the sand.
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
Coincidence vs. Chance Frequently Asked Questions
Does chance reflect a measure of likelihood
Yes, chance indicates the probability of occurrences.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Can chance be calculated or quantified
Yes, chance can often be expressed numerically or statistically.
William
Sep 30, 2023
Is coincidence always surprising or unexpected
Coincidence typically implies an element of unexpectedness.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is coincidence related to probability
Coincidence does not inherently relate to probability.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Does coincidence imply a causal relationship between events
No, coincidence does not imply causation between events.
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
Is it possible to predict occurrences based on chance
Chance allows for predictions based on likelihood.
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
Do people often mistake coincidence for fate
Sometimes people may attribute coincidence to fate or destiny.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is chance involved in statistical and probabilistic studies
Yes, chance is fundamental in studies involving probability.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can events be coincidental if planned
No, coincidence typically pertains to unplanned concurrences.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Does chance always ensure an event will or will not happen
No, chance indicates probability, not certainty.
Olivia
Sep 30, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
