coincide
UK[ˌkəʊɪnˈsaɪd]US[ˌkoʊɪnˈsaɪd]
v
To happen at the same time or during the same period.
v
To be in the same position or place.
v
To correspond in nature or be in agreement.
Morpheme Breakdown
co
in
cide
co
together
in
upon
cide
fall
Etymology
The word 'coincide' originates from the Medieval Latin verb 'coincidere', which itself is a composite of the Latin prefix 'co-' (meaning 'together'), the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'upon'), and the verb 'cadere' (meaning 'to fall'). The literal sense is therefore 'to fall upon together'. This concrete image of two things falling upon the same point evolved into the abstract meanings of events occurring at the same time or occupying the same space. Through French influence, the word entered English in the early 18th century, retaining the core logic that agreement or simultaneity is a metaphorical convergence, as if two separate paths 'fall together' upon a single moment or position.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + in (upon) + cide (fall)
- co: A prefix from Latin 'com-', meaning 'together, with'. Its functional role is to indicate joint action or association.
- in: A prefix from Latin 'in-', meaning 'on, upon, into'. Its functional role is to indicate direction or location.
- cide: A root from Latin 'cadere' (to fall). Its functional role is to provide the core semantic concept of falling or happening.
Examples
Our vacations always seem to coincide with the worst weather.
The two triangles are designed to coincide perfectly when superimposed.
His account of the event did not coincide with the official report.