Chancy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chancy

[ˈtʃɑːnsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in decision making

Dependent on chance; uncertain or risky.

Synonyms

risky, uncertain, unpredictable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chancy

Often used in informal settings to describe situations that involve unpredictable outcomes or potential dangers.

  • Starting a new business is always a chancy venture.
  • Driving in snowy weather can be quite chancy.
risky

Used to describe actions or situations that have a high probability of leading to negative outcomes or danger. This word has a slightly negative connotation.

  • Investing in that stock is very risky.
  • It was a risky move to climb the mountain without proper gear.
uncertain

Refers to situations where the outcome is not known, often due to a lack of information or unpredictable variables.

  • The future of the project is uncertain.
  • I'm uncertain about the weather for our trip.
unpredictable

Describes situations or behaviors that do not follow a regular or known pattern, often leading to an unexpected outcome.

  • The stock market is highly unpredictable.
  • His moods are so unpredictable; you never know how he will react.

Examples of usage

  • It was a chancy decision to invest all his savings in the stock market.
  • The outcome of the game was chancy, as both teams were evenly matched.
Context #2 | Adjective

in behavior

Showing a lack of care or thought; haphazard or reckless.

Synonyms

careless, haphazard, reckless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chancy

Use this word when describing a situation or action that involves significant risk or uncertainty. It often implies that the outcome is highly unpredictable and could result in success or failure.

  • Investing in this startup is quite chancy, but the potential rewards are immense.
  • The weather forecast looks chancy for our hiking trip.
careless

This word is appropriate when describing someone who is not paying enough attention to detail, leading to mistakes or accidents. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • Being careless with your homework will result in low grades.
  • His careless driving caused a minor accident.
haphazard

Use this word when something is done in a disorganized or random manner, without planning or order. It indicates a lack of systematic approach.

  • The books were stacked in a haphazard pile on the desk.
  • Their approach to the problem was haphazard and ineffective.
reckless

This word is best used when describing behavior that shows a lack of concern for the consequences, especially in situations involving danger. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • His reckless driving endangered everyone on the road.
  • She made a reckless decision to invest all her savings in a single stock.

Examples of usage

  • His chancy behavior at work often led to mistakes and misunderstandings.
  • She had a chancy attitude towards her responsibilities, which caused problems in the team.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous literature often explores themes of chance, emphasizing how random events shape characters' fates, like in Shakespeare's plays.
  • In modern storytelling, chancy situations create tension, making characters' decisions more dramatic and filled with conflict.
  • Many adventure novels hinge on the chancy nature of exploration, where travelers face unexpected odds and outcomes.

Psychology

  • People's perception of risk can influence their willingness to take chancy actions, such as investing in stocks or starting a new career.
  • Research shows that individuals often misjudge probabilities, leading them to embrace or avoid chancy situations based on emotion rather than logic.
  • The concept of 'gamblers' fallacy' reflects how some may wrongly assume that past events affect the outcomes of future chances.

Pop Culture

  • Games of chance, such as roulette or poker, exemplify chancy environments where participants rely on luck for success.
  • Musicians often explore themes of chance in their lyrics, conveying how unpredictable love or life can be.
  • Reality TV shows frequently rely on chancy twists, where participants face unexpected challenges that affect their journey.

Origin of 'chancy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'chancy' comes from 'chance,' which has roots in Old French 'chance' meaning 'fortune or luck.'
  • It has been in the English language since the mid-19th century, originally associated with risky situations.
  • Before 'chancy' became widely used, 'chancey' was a common variant to describe something uncertain.

The word 'chancy' originated in the late 19th century from the noun 'chance', combined with the suffix '-y' to form an adjective. It has been used to describe situations or behaviors that are dependent on luck or risky in nature.


See also: chance, chancer, chances, chancing.