happen happen /ˈhæpən/

verb

1. () (of an event) come to pass (in time, so that it is real and actual at some time)  ( fall out , hap [Archaic] , pass off , come about , go on , happen , occur , pass , take place )
   (of an event) come to pass (in time, so that it is real and actual at some time)
    What is happening?
   What is happening?
    The meeting took place off without an incidence
   The meeting took place off without an incidence
    Nothing occurred that seemed important
   Nothing occurred that seemed important
   
2. () Happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance  ( bechance , befall , happen )
   happen, occur, or be the case in the course of events or by chance
    It happens that today is my birthday
   It happens that today is my birthday
    These things befell
   These things befell
   
3. () Chance to be or do something, without intention or causation  ( happen )
   chance to be or do something, without intention or causation
    I happen to have just what you need!
   I happen to have just what you need!
   
4. () Come into being; become reality  ( materialise [British] , materialize , happen )
   come into being; become reality
    Her dream really materialized
   Her dream really materialized
   
5. Come upon, as if by accident; meet with  ( chance , happen , bump , encounter , find )
   come upon, as if by accident; meet with
    We find this idea in Plato
   We find this idea in Plato
    I happened upon the most wonderful bakery not very far from here
   I happened upon the most wonderful bakery not very far from here
    She chanced upon an interesting book in the bookstore the other day
   She chanced upon an interesting book in the bookstore the other day