happen
/ˈhæpən/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To take place or occur, especially by chance or without being planned.
Accidents happen when drivers do not pay close attention to the road.
To have a particular outcome or effect on someone or something.
I wonder what will happen to the stray dog if no one adopts it.
To do or be something by chance.
I happen to know the manager of that restaurant quite well.
How it's used
This means “affect someone or something”
- happen to the dog
“happen to it.”
Nothing bad will happen to you.
Collocations
- happen suddenly
- bound to happen
- waiting to happen
- whatever happens
- happen to know
Idioms
accidents happen
used to console someone after an unintended mistake
Do not worry about the spilled juice, accidents happen.
as it happens
used to introduce a coincidence or surprising fact
As it happens, I was just talking about that topic yesterday.