coincide

American  

[koh-in-sahyd] / ˌkoʊ ɪnˈsaɪd /

verb (used without object)

coincided, coinciding

1. to occupy the same place in space, the same point or period in time, or the same relative position.

   The centers of concentric circles coincide. Our vacations coincided this year.

2. to correspond exactly, as in nature, character, etc..

   His vocation coincides with his avocation.

3. to agree or concur, as in thought or opinion.

   Their opinions always coincide.

   Synonyms:

   square, jibe, tally, match, correspond, accord

   Antonyms:

   contradict, differ

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coincide British  

/ ˌkəʊɪnˈsaɪd /

verb

1. to occur or exist simultaneously

2. to be identical in nature, character, etc

3. to agree

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Other Word Forms

• uncoincided
  adjective
• uncoinciding
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of coincide

First recorded in 1635–45; from Medieval Latin coincidere, from Latin co- co- + incidere “to fall upon, befall” ( see incident)

Explanation

When things happen at the same time, they are said to coincide. Often, this is because they're intentionally coordinated — "the bake sale coincided with Parent Day" — but not always. Coincide can also mean happen together in other ways. "My mother's views on appropriate teen fashion do not always coincide with mine" is a tactful way to say she hates your clothes. You could also describe two roads coming together as coinciding — though it's more poetic to talk about when they diverge.

Example Sentences

Coincide, kō-in-sīd′, v.i. to fall in with, or agree, in opinion: to correspond: to be identical.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Related Words

• concur
• correspond
• jibe