chance
CHAHNS
Chance (noun) means an opportunity to do something. Example: “This internship is her chance to break into the industry.”
noun
1
An opportunity to do something.
"This internship is her chance to break into the industry."
"Give him a chance to explain what happened."
"I took the chance to ask the manager about a promotion."
2
The likelihood of something happening; probability.
"There's a good chance it will rain later."
"There is little chance of finding a free table on a Saturday night."
"What are the chances that our team wins the final?"
3
Something that happens randomly, without any apparent cause or plan.
"We met purely by chance at the airport."
"It was pure chance that we ended up on the same train."
"Nothing is left to chance when the pilots check the plane."
verb
1
To risk doing something, accepting that it might go wrong.
"They decided to chance it and drive through the storm."
"I didn't want to chance the icy road, so I stayed home."
"She chanced a quick swim even though the sea looked rough."
2
To happen to do or encounter something without planning it.
"I chanced upon an old photograph while cleaning the attic."
"He chanced to be passing the shop just as it opened."
"We chanced to meet an old friend while waiting for the bus."
How to use chance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn opportunity, the odds of something happening, or something that occurs randomly.
Common mistake
To "chance it" means to take a risk, not to plan carefully — it implies leaving the outcome to luck.
Common pairings
take a chance
by chance
chance of rain
chance upon
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Word forms
- Plural
- chances
- Third person singular
- chances
- Past tense
- chanced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This internship is her _____ to break into the industry.
Etymology
From Old French cheance ("luck, accident"), from Vulgar Latin cadentia ("a falling"), from Latin cadere ("to fall" or "to happen") — the same root behind "cadence."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for chance
See all rhymes for chance →Frequently asked questions
What does “chance” mean?
The word “chance” means an opportunity to do something. In plain terms, an opportunity, the odds of something happening, or something that occurs randomly.
How do you pronounce “chance”?
“Chance” is pronounced CHAHNS (/ˈt͡ʃeə̯ns/ in IPA).
How do you use “chance” in a sentence?
Here is “chance” used in a sentence: “This internship is her chance to break into the industry.”
What is another word for “chance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “chance” include come to pass, occur, transpire, come on, come upon and encounter.
What part of speech is “chance”?
Depending on how it is used, “chance” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chance” come from?
The word “chance” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French cheance ("luck, accident"), from Vulgar Latin cadentia ("a falling"), from Latin cadere ("to fall" or "to happen") — the same root behind "cadence.".
Is “chance” a common word?
“Chance” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “chance” have?
“Chance” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an opportunity to do something.
What is the difference between chance and opportunity?
The two are close, and both mean a favourable moment to act. Opportunity stresses that conditions are right and often that some effort or luck created the opening. Chance can mean the same, but it also carries a sense of randomness or luck — 'by chance' — which opportunity does not.
Does chance mean luck or opportunity?
It can mean both, depending on context. In 'give me a chance,' it means an opportunity to act. In 'we met by chance' or 'the chance of rain,' it means luck, randomness, or probability. The single word covers both a favourable opening and the play of unpredictable events.
What is the difference between chance and risk?
A chance is usually a positive opening — a possibility of something good. A risk emphasises the possibility of something going wrong. Both involve uncertainty, but chance leans toward hope and opportunity, while risk leans toward danger or loss. You take a chance hoping to gain, and take a risk aware you might lose.
What is an example of chance in a sentence?
'This is your chance to shine' uses chance as an opportunity. 'There's a good chance it will rain' uses it as probability, and 'I ran into her by chance' means by luck. The word shifts smoothly between an opening to act and the workings of fortune.
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