- Today's Word
Serendipity
[ser-uhn-DIP-i-tee]
Definition
- (noun) The occurrence of a fortunate discovery or happy accident, often when you least expect it. It’s finding something valuable or delightful without actively searching for it, like stumbling upon a hidden gem of a cafe while wandering through a new city.
Example
By pure serendipity, Emily met her future business partner at a random networking event she almost didn’t attend, leading to the creation of their successful startup.
Fun Fact
The word “serendipity” has an interesting origin story. It was coined by Horace Walpole, an 18th-century English writer, who was inspired by a Persian fairy tale called “The Three Princes of Serendip.” In the tale, the princes make discoveries by accident, thanks to their keen observations and sagacity. Walpole combined the name “Serendip” (an old name for Sri Lanka) with the English suffix “-ity” to create “serendipity,” meaning a “happy accident” or “pleasant surprise.” Since then, the word has been embraced as a way to describe the joy of unexpected and fortuitous findings in various aspects of life.
(verb) To reprimand someone severely; to criticize harshly.
The editor castigated the writer for missing yet another deadline.
Early 17th century: from Latin castigare, from castus ‘pure’ + agere ‘to drive’.