Coincide: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
coincide – Definition and Part of Speech
The verb coincide refers to two or more events or circumstances occurring at the same time in a manner that is not planned or expected. It implies an alignment of timing between different occurrences.
- Part of Speech: Verb.
- Forms: The primary forms are “coincide” (base form), “coincides” (third person singular present tense), “coincided” (past tense), and “coinciding” (present participle).
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concur | To agree or correspond with in time or opinion. | “Her arrival at the party coincided, or rather concurred, with everyone else’s.” | Formal/Academic |
| Align | To place things in a line or to happen together. | “The meeting dates align perfectly with the project deadlines.” | Business/General |
| Sync | Informal term for occurring at the same time. | “The traffic lights seemed to sync up, allowing everyone to move through smoothly.” | Casual/Informal |
| Match | To be in agreement or conformity. | “His schedule matched hers exactly for the weekend.” | Informal/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Concur: Best used in formal writing such as academic papers or legal documents, where precise language is key. It not only conveys simultaneity but also an element of agreement, making it slightly more nuanced than “coincide.”
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Align: Frequently used in business and project management contexts to indicate that tasks or events are scheduled to happen at the same time. It implies a deliberate arrangement rather than chance.
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Sync: Commonly found in informal settings or casual conversations. It often relates to technology or processes, like syncing files or schedules on digital devices, reflecting its modern and tech-savvy connotations.
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Match: Versatile across both formal and informal contexts. When used as a synonym for “coincide,” it suggests not only simultaneous occurrence but also compatibility or agreement between the events or items in question.
Common Pitfalls
One common confusion is mixing up coincide with concur when discussing opinions rather than timing. While both can suggest agreement, coincide specifically refers to events happening simultaneously rather than people sharing viewpoints.
Another potential pitfall involves using sync too formally. Given its roots in technology, it’s more casual and might not fit well in a formal business report or academic paper unless discussing digital processes.
Final Recap
In summary, while “coincide” primarily denotes the simultaneous occurrence of events, synonyms such as concur, align, sync, and match offer subtle differences that can be leveraged depending on context. “Concur” often implies agreement, “align” suggests a deliberate arrangement, “sync” is modern and informal, while “match” indicates both simultaneity and compatibility.
Encourage readers to practice these synonyms by incorporating them into their writing or conversations. Experiment with each in different registers—formal reports, casual chats, business emails—to truly grasp their nuances and enhance your linguistic versatility.