The Last Word - The Linguistic Nuance of “Serendipitous Coincidence”

The perceived redundancy of certain phrases may cause you to raise your eyebrows. One that lifts mine is “serendipitous coincidence,” as it seemingly doubles down on the idea of chance. Both “serendipitous” and “coincidence” inherently involve elements of the unexpected, leading one to question the necessity of their combination. This phrase pops up in judicial opinions, so a closer examination is justified. This phrase can be a powerful tool for conveying nuanced meanings when used judiciously (pun intended).

Understanding the Components

To appreciate the phrase “serendipitous coincidence,” we must dissect its components:

Coincidence: This noun refers to events without any apparent connection, yet they happen simultaneously or in close succession. Coincidences are often neutral, merely highlighting the timing or alignment of events rather than the outcome.

Serendipitous: “Serendipity” has no equivalent in languages other than English. It refers to events that occur by chance but result in a positive or beneficial outcome. The term originated in Horace Walpole’s 1754 recounting of an ancient Persian fairy tale, “The Three Princes of Serendip,” in which the princes make unexpected discoveries to discern the nature of a lost camel. See https://tinyurl.com/5xpjr2fj. In short, “serendipitous” carries a connotation of happy accidents.

Analyzing Potential Redundancy

“Serendipitous coincidence” might seem redundant because both words imply an element of chance. But each term conveys a distinct nuance between unexpected timing and positive outcomes. The word “coincidence” emphasizes the simultaneous or aligned occurrence of events, highlighting the randomness in their timing. On the other hand, “serendipitous” underscores the beneficial or fortuitous results of the chance occurrence, adding a layer of positivity that “coincidence” alone does not convey.

Thus, “serendipitous” emphasizes the outcome. If an event is coincidental but not beneficial, one wouldn’t describe it as serendipitous. Coincidence underscores simultaneity or alignment. An event can be serendipitous without any specific timing element, but coincidence introduces this layer of synchrony.

Why Use Both?

Combining these words captures an event’s unexpected alignment and advantageous outcome, providing a more specific description. Consider the following scenarios.

Professional Encounter: Imagine attending a CLE conference when you strike up a conversation with someone who practices law outside your geographic area and who subsequently refers a piece of business to you—an unexpected encounter (coincidence) that leads to a successful collaboration (serendipitous).

Scientific Discovery: Many scientific breakthroughs occur when researchers stumble upon unexpected results. The discovery of penicillin is often cited as a serendipitous coincidence, as the unanticipated growth of mold led to a medical revolution.

In both examples, the phrase communicates the dual nature of the event: its chance occurrence and its positive effect. This phrase can encapsulate the complexity of situations where both the timing and the outcome are equally significant.

The Role of Context

The appropriateness of “serendipitous coincidence” depends on the context and the writer’s intent. This phrase can enrich the narrative in literary or rhetorical uses, where emphasis and nuance are crucial. But in legal writing where precision is paramount, it might be unnecessarily verbose. A writer must be confident that its use is justified and furthers the intended narrative.

Linguistic and Stylistic Considerations

Beyond the literal meaning, “serendipitous coincidence” can be a stylistic device. Its rhythm and cadence add elegance to writing, making it appealing in expressive contexts. The phrase captures a universal human experience: the delight in unexpected, beneficial happenings. Writers can tap into this shared understanding, creating a connection with their audience.

Conclusion

“Serendipitous coincidence” might initially appear redundant but can be stylistically effective when the aim is to convey an event’s unexpected and beneficial nature. It is a matter of nuance rather than strict grammatical correctness, transforming potential redundancy into a rich tool for expression, highlighting the intricate interplay between timing and outcome.