HAPPEN

(CHANCE) [verb] - to do or be by chanceThey happened to look in the right place almost immediately. [+ to infinitive]Fortunately it happened (that) there was no one in the house at the time of the explosion. [+ (that) clause]It just so happens that I have one in my pocket now. [+ that clause]She happens to like swimming (= She does like swimming, although you might not believe it). [+ to infinitive]I happen to think he's right (= I do think so, although you do not). [+ to infinitive](literary) If you happen on/upon something or someone, you find or meet them by chance.Eventually they happened on a road leading across the desert.(esp. US) If someone happens along/by/past, they go to a place by chance or without planning to.We happened by your house last night, but you were out.As it happened (= Although it was not planned), I had a few minutes to spare.