Happen
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈhæpən/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Happen is a verb meaning (intransitive) To occur or take place.
Meaning
(intransitive) To occur or take place.
More Meanings
- (transitive, archaic) To happen to; to befall.
- (intransitive or impersonal, with infinitive) To do or occur by chance or unexpectedly.
- (followed by on or upon) To encounter by chance.
- (informal) To become popular or trendy.
- (obsolete or dialect) maybe, perhaps.
Example Sentences
Let me tell you how it happened.
Do you happen to have an umbrella?
Take an umbrella in case it happens to rain.
If you should (happen to) need any help, I'll be there.
Word Forms
- happens
- happening
- happened
Synonyms for happen
Depending on context, synonyms include bechance, befall, betide, betime, chance, evene.
Antonyms for happen
Common opposites include dematerialize.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include hap, bechance, occur, go on, chance, encounter.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.