chance

¹chance

noun \ˈchan(t)s\

Definition of CHANCE

1

a : something that happens unpredictably without discernible human intention or observable cause b : the assumed impersonal purposeless determiner of unaccountable happenings : luck <an outcome decided by chance> c : the fortuitous or incalculable element in existence : contingency

2

: a situation favoring some purpose : opportunity <needed a chance to relax>

3

: a fielding opportunity in baseball

4

a : the possibility of a particular outcome in an uncertain situation; also : the degree of likelihood of such an outcome <a small chance of success> b plural : the more likely indications <chances are he's already gone>

5

a : risk <not taking any chances> b : a raffle ticket

— chance adjective

— by chance

: in the haphazard course of events <they met by chance>

Examples of CHANCE

1. This is the chance of a lifetime!
2. Everyone deserves a fair chance of winning the award.
3. If you give me a chance, I know I can do a good job.
4. We didn't have much chance to talk about it.
5. There's a good chance that we'll finish on time.
6. If you are free tonight, is there any chance you could join me for dinner?
7. Which cards you're given is simply a matter of chance.

Origin of CHANCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *cadentia fall, from Latin cadent-, cadens, present participle of cadere to fall; perhaps akin to Sanskrit śad- to fall off

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CHANCE

Synonyms: accident, casualty [archaic], circumstance, hap, hazard, luck

Antonyms: sure thing

Related Words: fortuitousness, fortuity, haphazardry, randomness, uncertainty; fluke, happenchance, happenstance; destiny, doom, fate, fortune, lot; danger, peril, risk

Near Antonyms: intent, intention, purpose; design, outline, plan, scheme

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with CHANCE

dance, glance, lance, prance, trance, trans