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happen

hap·pen

happen

 
 
pronunciation:
hae pn
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: verb
inflections: happens, happening, happened
definition 1: to take place; occur.
A funny thing happened in class today.Small earthquakes happen often in Japan.
synonyms:
fall, occur, take place
similar words:
arise, be, befall, come
definition 2: to occur or take place by chance or coincidence.
These things happen; there isn't always a reason.
synonyms:
chance
definition 3: to have the accidental fate, good luck, or misfortune (to be or do something).
We've been best friends ever since we happened to sit next to each other in first grade.She was looking out the window and happened to see the accident.
definition 4: to encounter by chance (usually followed by "on" or "upon").
The detective happened on a clue that helped him solve the crime.
synonyms:
chance, stumble
similar words:
bump into, come, run across
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