HAPPEN Meaning and
Definition
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Happen is a verb that refers to the occurrence or taking place of an event, circumstance, or situation without a particular intention or design. It is used to describe something that takes place unexpectedly, spontaneously or by chance. The term emphasizes the lack of control or predictability in certain situations.
When something happens, it means that it comes about, transpires, or unfolds. It can involve a wide range of events, from the mundane to the extraordinary. It may refer to actions, phenomena, incidents, or experiences that manifest in the world or within oneself. The verb is often employed to describe occurrences that are not actively initiated or caused by an individual or a specific entity.
The term "happen" suggests events that are neither planned nor premeditated, providing a sense of spontaneity or randomness. It conveys the idea that certain circumstances or occurrences naturally come into being, rather than being deliberately created or directed. The verb can also imply a sense of surprise or unexpectedness when used in relation to an event, as it may deviate from what was anticipated or intended.
Overall, "happen" characterizes events or circumstances that materialize or unfold without apparent intention, allowing for unforeseen and unplanned developments.
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To come by chance; to fall out; to be fall.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HAPPEN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HAPPEN
Etymology of HAPPEN
The word happen can be traced back to Middle English happenen or hapnen. Its etymology can be further traced to the Old Norse word happ, meaning luck or chance. The Old Norse term was later combined with the Old English suffix -en, which denoted creation or action, resulting in the word happenen. Over time, this word evolved into the modern English term happen.
Idioms with the word HAPPEN
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sit back and let happen
The idiom "sit back and let happen" means to relax and allow events to unfold without taking any action or trying to control the situation. It implies an attitude of passivity or non-interference, allowing things to progress naturally or according to someone else's guidance or plan.
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sit back and let sth happen
The idiom "sit back and let something happen" means to refrain from taking action or intervening in a situation and instead watch events unfold without getting involved. It implies a passive approach, where one is consciously choosing not to get involved or take any action.
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happen to sm or sth
The idiom "happen to someone or something" means to occur or take place unexpectedly or by chance. It refers to something occurring without any particular intention or plan. It can also signify an event or situation that affects someone or something in an accidental or unforeseen manner.
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happen (up)on sm or sth
The idiom "happen (up)on someone or something" means to come across or discover someone or something unexpectedly or by chance. It implies finding or encountering someone or something without actively seeking or planning it.
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happen on
The idiom "happen on" means to come across or discover something by chance or accident. It refers to unexpectedly finding or encountering something without actively seeking it.
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happen to
The idiom "happen to" is used to describe something unexpected or accidental occurring to someone or something. It implies an event or circumstance that occurs by chance rather than intention or planning.
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happen along
The idiom "happen along" typically means to come or arrive by chance or to unexpectedly encounter someone or something.
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happen by
The idiom "happen by" generally means to come across or stumble upon something accidentally or unexpectedly while moving or being in a particular place. It refers to an unplanned encounter or occurrence of an event, person, or thing.
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shouldn’t happen to a dog
The idiom "shouldn’t happen to a dog" is used to express extreme situations or circumstances that are considered unfair, unpleasant, or unfortunate. It implies that even a dog, which is often seen as deserving of basic kindness and compassion, should not be subjected to such experiences. It emphasizes the level of distress or mistreatment involved in the situation being described.
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happen (up)on someone or something
The idiom "happen (up)on someone or something" means to come across or encounter someone or something by chance or unexpectedly. It refers to unintentionally finding or discovering someone or something without looking for or anticipating it.
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happen to someone or something
The idiom "happen to someone or something" means to take place or occur unexpectedly or by chance to a particular person or object. It suggests that an event, usually negative or unfortunate, occurs without being planned or intended.
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anything can happen
The idiom "anything can happen" suggests that unexpected events or outcomes are possible in any given situation or scenario. It conveys the idea that the future is uncertain and that various possibilities, even those that one may deem unlikely or improbable, are always a potential reality.
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an accident waiting to happen
The idiom "an accident waiting to happen" refers to a situation, event, or person that is extremely dangerous or likely to result in an accident or disaster. It implies that the conditions or actions involved are risky, and it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong or calamity occurs.
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an accident/a disaster waiting to happen
The idiom "an accident/a disaster waiting to happen" refers to a situation or action that seems very likely to result in a negative or harmful outcome. It suggests a sense of inevitability and imminent danger, indicating that the circumstances or behavior are reckless, careless, or potentially dangerous.
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anything can/might happen
The idiom "anything can/might happen" means that there is a possibility for unpredictable or unexpected events or outcomes to occur. It implies that the situation is uncertain and can potentially go in various directions, leaving room for surprises or unforeseen circumstances.
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accidents will happen
The idiom "accidents will happen" means that unforeseen or unexpected events or mistakes are bound to occur, even with careful planning or caution. It suggests that accidents are an inherent part of life and cannot always be prevented.
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shouldn't happen to a dog
The idiom "shouldn't happen to a dog" is used to express a situation or experience that is extremely unpleasant, unlucky, or unfortunate. It implies that such a situation is highly undesirable even for a dog, implying a significant degree of hardship or misery.
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if anything should happen
The idiom "if anything should happen" is often used to express concern or caution about a possible negative or unexpected event occurring in the future. It implies a sense of uncertainty and serves as a way of expressing preparation or readiness for any potential repercussions or consequences.
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couldn't happen to a nicer (person)
The idiom "couldn't happen to a nicer (person)" refers to a situation or event that is fortunate or positive and is occurring to someone who is genuinely kind, friendly, or deserving. It emphasizes the positive qualities of the person and suggests that they truly deserve the good thing happening to them.
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these things happen
The idiom "these things happen" is often used as a casual response to unexpected or unfortunate events, indicating that such occurrences are a normal and unavoidable part of life. It implies that one should accept or move on from the situation since it is beyond their control or happens frequently.
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be no question that (something will happen/is the case)
The idiom "be no question that (something will happen/is the case)" means that there is no doubt or uncertainty that something will happen or is true. It is a phrase used to emphasize the certainty of a particular outcome or situation.
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clear the way (for something/for something to happen)
To remove obstacles or make a path for something or someone to move through or happen.
Similar spelling words for HAPPEN
- harper,
- happier,
- hairpin,
- Hopping,
- ha'penny,
- Happened,
- haven,
- hopper,
- sharpen,
- happens,
- happy,
- harpoon.
Conjugate verb Happen
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have happened
you
would have happened
he/she/it
would have happened
we
would have happened
they
would have happened
I
would have happen
you
would have happen
he/she/it
would have happen
we
would have happen
they
would have happen
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been happening
you
would have been happening
he/she/it
would have been happening
we
would have been happening
they
would have been happening
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would happen
you
would happen
he/she/it
would happen
we
would happen
they
would happen
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be happening
you
would be happening
he/she/it
would be happening
we
would be happening
they
would be happening
FUTURE
I
will happen
you
will happen
he/she/it
will happen
we
will happen
they
will happen
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be happening
you
will be happening
he/she/it
will be happening
we
will be happening
they
will be happening
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have happened
you
will have happened
he/she/it
will have happened
we
will have happened
they
will have happened
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been happening
you
will have been happening
he/she/it
will have been happening
we
will have been happening
they
will have been happening
IMPERATIVE
you
happen
we
let´s happen
to happen
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was happening
you
were happening
he/she/it
was happening
we
were happening
they
were happening
PAST PARTICIPLE
happened
PAST PERFECT
I
had happened
you
had happened
he/she/it
had happened
we
had happened
they
had happened
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been happening
you
had been happening
he/she/it
had been happening
we
had been happening
they
had been happening
PRESENT
I
happen
you
happen
he/she/it
happens
we
happen
they
happen
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am happening
you
are happening
he/she/it
is happening
we
are happening
they
are happening
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
happening
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have happened
you
have happened
he/she/it
has happened
we
have happened
they
have happened
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been happening
you
have been happening
he/she/it
has been happening
we
have been happening
they
have been happening
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
happen
SIMPLE PAST
I
happened
you
happened
he/she/it
happened
we
happened
they
happened
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