|
| chance [ chaanss ] |
noun (plural chances) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. likelihood that something will happen: the degree of probability that something will happen
(
often used in the plural
)
  There's a strong chance we'll win.
|
2. opportunity or opportune time: an opportunity or a set of circumstances that makes it possible for something to happen
I was given no chance to explain.
|
3. gamble or risk: a gamble or other act involving uncertainty or risk
You're taking a chance by not wearing a seat belt.
|
4. supposed force that makes things happen: the supposed force that makes things happen in a particular way without any apparent cause
It was pure chance that we met.
a chance encounter
|
5. unexpected happening: an unexpected event
|
6. something caused by luck: something caused by luck or fortune
|
verb (3rd person present singular chances, present participle chancing, past and past participle chanced) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. transitive verb do something risky: to do something knowing that it is risky
|
2. intransitive verb do something unplanned: to do something or happen without a cause or plan
|
| [13th century. Via Anglo-Norman< late Latin cadentia 'falling' < present participle of Latin cadere 'to fall'] |
|
by any chance used to enquire if there is any possibility of something
Is there a copy you could lend me, by any chance?
|
by chance unexpectedly or without plan
|
fat chance something that is highly unlikely (informal)
|
given half a chance if the slightest opportunity should present itself
He did what most of us would do, given half a chance.
|
take a chance to pursue a risky course of action
|
