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Chance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'chance'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.