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Definition of happen

happen

/ˈhæp.ən/
hap · pen
Past Simple:happened
•
Past Participle:happened
•
Present Participle:happening
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happen Lexical Profile

happen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To take place or occur, especially by chance or without being planned.

Example

"No one could explain how the misunderstanding had happened."

2

To do something or be in a particular state by chance or coincidence (followed by an infinitive).

Example

"She happened to notice the rare book while browsing a small shop in the city."

3

To be experienced by or become the fate of someone or something (used with 'to').

Example

"Do you know what happened to the old wooden bridge after the storm?"

4

To come upon or find someone or something unexpectedly (used with 'on' or 'upon').

Example

"During their hike, the researchers happened upon an ancient stone inscription."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for happen

• Rhymes for happen

• Nearby Words

haphazardly
hapless
haplessly
happen
happening
happenstance
happily

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English happenen, formed by adding the verbal suffix -en to the noun hap ('chance, fortune, luck'), which was borrowed from Old Norse happ ('good luck, chance').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Happen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/happen
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