happen
UK: ˈhæpən | US: ˈhæpən
vi. to take place or occur
vi. to come about by chance
vi. to have the fortune or luck (to do something)
happen = hap<chance, luck> + en<verb suffix>
- hap (from Old Norse happ, meaning "chance, luck")
- en (a verb-forming suffix in Middle English, indicating action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word "happen" traces back to Old Norse happ, meaning "luck" or "chance," reflecting the idea of events occurring unpredictably. In Middle English, the suffix -en was added to form a verb, shifting the meaning from "luck" to "to occur by chance." Over time, it broadened to encompass any occurrence, whether accidental or not. This evolution mirrors the human tendency to perceive events as either fated or random.
Accidents can happen to anyone.
What will happen if we miss the deadline?
She happened to meet an old friend at the café.
It just so happened that the train was delayed.
Do you know what happened during the meeting?