26984 words

happens

11 definitions • 23 examples
1
(of a situation or an event) to have existence or come into existence:

Examples:

No one knows exactly what happened but several people have been hurt.
Anything could happen in the next half hour.
A funny thing happened in the office today.
I don't want to think about what might have happened if he'd been driving any faster.
2
If something happens to someone or something, it has an effect on him, her, or it:

Examples:

I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to him (= if he was hurt, became ill, or died).
3
to do or be by chance:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] They happened to look (= looked by chance) in the right place almost immediately.
[ + (that) ] Fortunately it happened (that) there was no one in the house at the time of the explosion.
[ + that ] It just so happens that I have her phone number right here.
happen to She happens to like cleaning (= she likes cleaning, although that is surprising).
I happen to think he's right (= I do think so, although you do not).
as it happens As it happened (= although it was not planned), I had a few minutes to spare.
4

Examples:

Happen it'll rain later on.
5
(of a situation or event) to come into existence; occur:

Examples:

If you want to know what is happening in the world, you have to read the newspapers.
No one knows exactly what happened, but several people have been hurt.
6
If a situation or event happens to someone or something, it has an effect on that person or thing:

Examples:

What happened to Phil? I thought he would be here by now.
7
to do or be by chance:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] I happened to come across this book I think you would like.
[ + to infinitive ] I happen to think he’s right (= I do, although others may not).
8
to exist or begin to exist because of an action, situation, or event:

Examples:

The one course of events no one anticipated was the one that happened: a long period of stagnation that threatened the assumptions of the European welfare state.
The market highs have provided an impetus for companies to sell their shares before investors lose interest, which often happens during a holiday week.
9
to be done or exist by chance:

Examples:

What happens in one country or region may not happen in another.
happen by accident/chance "The state's economic vitality has not happened by accident," he said.
10
to affect someone or something in a way that changes something:

Examples:

Everywhere I go people are becoming more and more depressed by what is happening to their savings.
11
to be done or come into existence suddenly:

Examples:

did not/may not/will not happen overnight This crisis didn't happen overnight.

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