Chancing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽฒ
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chancing

[หˆtสƒษ‘หnsษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in gambling

The act of risking money or valuables on the outcome of an uncertain event, often a game of chance.

Synonyms

gambling, risking, wagering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chancing

To act with an element of risk or to depend on luck, often in a casual or spur-of-the-moment decision.

  • He's chancing it by not wearing a coat on a cold day.
  • She was chancing her luck by asking her boss for a raise.
gambling

To bet money or something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, typically associated with games of chance and stakes. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying recklessness.

  • He's gambling away his savings at the casino.
  • She has a problem with gambling and often makes risky bets.
risking

To expose oneself or something of value to danger, harm, or loss.

  • By investing all his money in that startup, he's risking everything.
  • She is risking her health by not following the doctor's advice.
wagering

To bet money or something of value on the outcome of a contest or event, similar to 'gambling' but often used in the context of placing formal or informal bets. Less negative than 'gambling'.

  • They are wagering on the outcome of the football game.
  • He enjoys wagering on horse races at the track.

Examples of usage

  • He took a chancing on the roulette table and won big.
  • She enjoys the thrill of chancing on horse races.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

Taking a risk or a chance on something without any guaranteed outcome.

Synonyms

risking, trying, venturing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chancing

This is used when taking a random or uncertain decision, often without much consideration or planning.

  • She was chancing her luck by entering the lottery.
risking

This term is used when taking a decision or action that involves potential loss, damage, or danger.

  • He was risking his job by speaking out against the management.
trying

Commonly used when making an attempt to do something, often without a clear certainty of success.

  • She is trying to learn a new language.
venturing

Used when taking a new, often bold, action or journey, usually involving some element of risk or uncertainty.

  • They are venturing into the uncharted forest.

Examples of usage

  • He's chancing his luck by investing in that startup.
  • I wouldn't recommend chancing it with that unreliable car.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, taking a chance is linked to personal growth; it often reflects a willingness to explore the unknown.
  • Various societies have rituals involving chance, like tossing coins or rolling dice, to make decisions or predict the future.
  • In literature, characters often face situations where they must take a chance, leading to important life changes or discoveries.

Psychology

  • Research shows that taking reasonable chances can lead to greater life satisfaction and personal development.
  • The concept of 'loss aversion' reveals that people often fear losing what they have more than they desire gaining something new, affecting their willingness to take chances.
  • Cognitive biases, like the 'gambler's fallacy', can influence peopleโ€™s decisions when they consider taking risks.

Pop Culture

  • Popular songs often explore themes of chance, reflecting the excitement and uncertainty of taking risks in love and life.
  • Movies about gambling highlight how chance can lead to great wins or devastating losses, illustrating the dual nature of risk.
  • Board games such as Monopoly or Risk showcase aspects of chance, where players must weigh decisions against unpredictable outcomes.

Origin of 'chancing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old French 'chancer', meaning 'to fall, to happen', which reflects the idea of taking a gamble.
  • Related terms include 'chance', which has roots in Latin 'cadere', meaning 'to fall', linking back to the unpredictability of outcomes.
  • The use of 'chance' in English has evolved since the 14th century, signifying both opportunity and risk.

The word 'chancing' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'chance' meaning 'fortune or luck'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the concept of taking risks or opportunities without any guaranteed outcomes. The usage of 'chancing' in both noun and verb forms reflects the human inclination towards uncertainty and the thrill of risking something valuable for a potential reward.


See also: chance, chancer, chances, chancy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,429, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.