Chance: meaning, definitions and examples

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chance

 

[ tʃɑːns ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
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

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

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

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.

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

Etymology

The word 'chance' originated from Old French 'cheance' which came from Vulgar Latin 'cadentia' meaning 'that which falls out'. The concept of chance or probability has been studied in various fields including mathematics, philosophy, and statistics. The idea of taking a chance or seizing an opportunity is deeply ingrained in human nature.

See also: chancer, chances, chancing, chancy.

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.