toevallen

Toevallen is a Dutch word that can function as both a verb and the plural noun form of the noun toevall. As a verb, toevallen means to occur, to happen, or to befall, often describing events that arise by chance or as an outcome rather than by intention. It is used in neutral, descriptive language about events and incidents that happen to people or unfold in a situation.

As a noun, toevallen is the plural of toevall, which denotes a chance event, coincidence, or fortuity. In practice, toevallen is used when referring to multiple such occurrences within a narrative or report. The singular toevall covers the general sense of a chance event or coincidence, while the plural toevallen emphasizes several such events.

Etymology and related forms: The word toevallen derives from the base meaning of toeval, which combines the idea of a fall or occurrence happening toward someone or something. The related adjective toevallig means coincidental or by chance, and the adverb toevallig translates to coincidentally.

Usage notes: Toevallen is relatively neutral and widely understood in both spoken and written Dutch. In everyday speech, mensen spreken vaak over toevalligheden or toevallige gebeurtenissen when highlighting unexpected aspects of a situation. In formal writing, toevall is used for analysis of events, while the plural toevallen can summarize multiple coincidental occurrences within a text.