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Chance: meaning, definitions and examples

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chance

 

[tʃɑːns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

opportunity

A possibility of something happening; the occurrence and development of events in the future that are not certain.

Synonyms

likelihood, opportunity, possibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chance

Also 'chance' can be used to talk about the possibility of something happening by luck or accident.

  • I met her by chance at the supermarket.
  • Is there any chance you could help me with this?
opportunity

Use 'opportunity' when talking about a favorable set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.

  • She missed the opportunity to go on the trip.
  • This job offers a great opportunity for career growth.
possibility

Use 'possibility' to discuss something that might happen or be true, often emphasizing its potential rather than its probability.

  • There is a possibility that we will move to a new city.
  • One possibility is that the project will be delayed.
likelihood

Use 'likelihood' when discussing the probability of something happening, often in more formal contexts.

  • The likelihood of a successful mission is very high.
  • Scientists are studying the likelihood of another earthquake.

Examples of usage

  • There is a chance of rain later today.
  • She took a chance and applied for the job.
  • I'm willing to take a chance on this investment.
  • There's a slim chance that he will agree to help us.
  • We have a good chance of winning the competition.
Context #2 | Noun

probability

The probability of something happening.

Synonyms

likelihood, odds, probability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chance

Used in casual or everyday conversation to refer to the possibility of something happening, often without a calculated measure.

  • There is a chance it might rain tomorrow.
  • Do you think there's any chance we'll win the game?
probability

Used in scientific, statistical, or mathematical contexts to express the quantifiable likelihood of an event occurring.

  • The probability of rolling a six on a die is one in six.
  • We need to calculate the probability of various outcomes.
likelihood

Used in more formal settings to discuss the probability of an event occurring, often based on evidence or statistics.

  • The likelihood of finding life on other planets is still being studied.
  • Given the current trends, there is a high likelihood of success.
odds

Commonly used in gambling or betting contexts to describe the ratio of chances or the likelihood of a particular outcome.

  • The odds of winning the lottery are very low.
  • What are the odds that he will finish the race first?

Examples of usage

  • There is a high chance of success.
  • The chances are slim that he will show up.
  • The chances of winning the lottery are very low.
  • What are the chances of getting a promotion?
Context #3 | Verb

risk

To take the risk of something happening.

Synonyms

gamble, risk, venture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chance

Use when talking about the possibility of something happening, often positive or neutral.

  • There's a good chance it will rain tomorrow.
  • Take a chance and apply for the job.
risk

Refer to this when speaking about the possibility of a negative outcome or danger. It often involves weighing the potential losses.

  • Driving without a seatbelt is a significant risk.
  • She took a risk by starting her own company.
venture

Use this to talk about a new activity, project, or business that involves some risk but is done with a positive outlook.

  • They started a new venture in the tech industry.
  • Our latest venture is opening a coffee shop in the city center.
gamble

Apply this word when talking about taking a risky action with no guarantee of success, often related to betting or uncertain outcomes. This term can have a negative connotation as it suggests irresponsibility.

  • Investing all your money in one stock is a big gamble.
  • He decided to gamble on the new business idea.

Examples of usage

  • She chanced upon a rare book in the antique shop.
  • We chanced to meet each other at the conference.
  • He chanced his luck by investing in the startup.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'chance' comes from the Latin term 'cadentia,' meaning 'to fall,' indicating how things can fall into place.
  • In Middle English, 'chance' referred to luck or fortune, showing how it was once seen as something random.
  • The term has roots in the Old French 'cheance,' which signifies 'to happen or occur,' emphasizing the unpredictable nature of events.

Statistics

  • In statistical terms, chance is often quantified as probability, which measures how likely an event is to occur.
  • Coin tosses are a classic example of chance, with a 50% probability of landing on heads or tails.
  • The concept of chance underpins many scientific theories, including quantum mechanics, where particles can exist in multiple states until observed.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the role of chance in human life, questioning if events are truly random or part of a larger order.
  • Chance can be viewed as the opposite of determinism, where all events are predetermined by prior causes.
  • The concept of free will often intersects with chance; when one makes choices that lead to unforeseen circumstances.

Pop Culture

  • Chance has been a popular theme in music and films, often relating to love and opportunity, like the song 'Take a Chance on Me' by ABBA.
  • In many board games, chance elements affect the outcome, like dice rolls in Monopoly, showcasing unpredictability.
  • Stories often revolve around 'taking a chance' to explore themes of risk, courage, and unexpected rewards.

Translations

Translations of the word "chance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chance

🇮🇳 संभावना

🇩🇪 Chance

🇮🇩 peluang

🇺🇦 шанс

🇵🇱 szansa

🇯🇵 チャンス

🇫🇷 chance

🇪🇸 oportunidad

🇹🇷 şans

🇰🇷 기회

🇸🇦 فرصة

🇨🇿 šance

🇸🇰 šanca

🇨🇳 机会

🇸🇮 priložnost

🇮🇸 tækifæri

🇰🇿 мүмкіндік

🇬🇪 შანსი

🇦🇿 şans

🇲🇽 oportunidad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,404, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.