To happen means to occur or take place, especially by chance or without being planned.
From Middle English “happen” meaning ‘to occur by chance,’ built from “hap” (luck, chance) plus “-en,” a verb ending. The idea of chance is built right into the word.
Originally, “happen” was strongly about luck, not just any event. That’s why we still say things like “it just happened” when we want to sound innocent or surprised.
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