Meaning & Definition of Happen in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To occur or take place, especially by chance.

  Example Sentence: The accident happened suddenly.

• Definition: To come to pass; to take place.

  Example Sentence: Many interesting events happen during the festival.

• Definition: To occur at a particular time.

  Example Sentence: When does the meeting happen?

• Definition: To befall someone; to take place to someone.

  Example Sentence: What will happen if we don't follow the rules?

• Definition: To happen upon; to encounter by chance.

  Example Sentence: I happened to find a rare book in the library.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from the phrase 'hap' meaning chance or fortune.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• happen to: to do something by chance.
• what's happening?: a casual inquiry about what is going on.
• happenings: events, especially unexpected or interesting ones.

Translations

• Spanish: suceder

• French: arriver

• German: geschehen

• Russian: происходить

Related Words

• happening: an event or occurrence, especially a social event.

• haphazard: lacking any obvious principle of organization.

Slang Meanings of happen

• Meaning: To occur, usually used in a casual context.

  Example Sentence: Things are just happening around here.

• Meaning: To be involved in or experience something.

  Example Sentence: I'm down for whatever happens tonight.