chance
noun (countable)
UK/tʃɑːns/US/tʃæns/
A possibility of something happening, often influenced by luck or random factors; also, an opportunity or the unpredictable element that shapes outcomes.
Example Sentences
There’s a good chance it will rain later this afternoon.
I didn’t want to miss the chance to see my favorite band in concert.
His victory in the lottery came down to pure chance.
You might get another chance to apply if you wait until next month.
Don’t worry if you fail the first time; you’ll likely have another chance soon.
The chance of finding true friendship often comes when you least expect it.
Because they recognized the chance for significant growth in the emerging market, the investors took a calculated risk and funneled substantial capital into the startup despite its unproven track record.
We all knew there was only the slightest chance of success, yet the team pushed ahead with unwavering determination, believing that any possibility—no matter how small—was worth pursuing.
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verb (transitive)
UK/tʃɑːns/US/tʃæns/
To do something that involves risk or uncertainty; to happen upon something by accident or to attempt something despite uncertainty (somewhat literary or informal).
Example Sentences
They decided to chance a last-minute road trip without a definite plan.
He chanced a guess at the answer, hoping to get lucky.
We might just chance upon the old cabin if we follow this trail.
She decided to chance it and submitted her application, even though she felt underqualified.
He chanced stepping outside without an umbrella despite looming thunderclouds.
We chanced visiting the new restaurant without a reservation, and luckily they had a free table.
While traveling through a remote village, they happened to chance upon a hidden waterfall, untouched by tourists and breathtaking in its natural beauty.
Determined to meet the famous author, she chanced waiting at the bookstore for hours, hoping for a momentary encounter that would allow her to express her admiration in person.
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adjective
UK/tʃɑːns/US/tʃæns/
(Less common) Accidental, happening by luck or without intention; arising from uncertain or random factors.
Example Sentences
It was a chance encounter that led them to become lifelong friends.
The archeologist made a chance discovery of ancient pottery shards while digging for something else.
They crossed paths in a chance meeting at the airport after years of no contact.
A chance remark overheard on the bus sparked her interest in the subject.
Their success was partly due to a chance opportunity that landed on their doorstep.
A chance invitation to a conference introduced him to his future business partner.
The team’s breakthroughs often came from chance observations in the lab—moments when careful experiment planning collided with sheer happenstance, producing results no one had anticipated.
Her chance journey through the scenic countryside blossomed into a profound adventure, as she discovered charming villages, hidden trails, and unexpected acts of kindness from strangers along the way.
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How to Use
Refers to an unpredictable event or possibility with outcomes that can be good or bad.This word serves multiple functions in everyday speech and writing, often highlighting unpredictability or potential. As a noun, it suggests an event or situation that might or might not happen. For example, you might say, “There’s a good chance it will rain,” indicating it could occur, but with uncertainty. As a verb, it means taking a risk or stumbling upon something unexpectedly, such as “I decided to chance a visit to the new café,” implying you went without prior certainty. In more formal contexts, “chance” can emphasize probability when discussing outcomes or forecasts—like weather predictions or financial investments—signaling that results rely on factors outside one’s full control. When you want to incorporate it into persuasive or narrative writing, clarify what is at stake: “She took a chance and applied for the scholarship, hoping to follow her dream.” In everyday conversation, “give (someone) a chance” implies offering an opportunity, while “by chance” underscores coincidence or happenstance. To effectively use this word, consider how it underscores the interplay between uncertainty and possibility, and tailor your tone—whether optimistic, cautionary, or neutral—to fit the situation you’re describing.
Alternatives
Depending on the situation, you might choose synonyms or related phrases that highlight different nuances of unpredictability or opportunity. For instance, “possibility” or “opportunity” can tone down the element of risk while emphasizing potential. If you’re stressing uncertainty, words like “risk,” “gamble,” or “luck” may add drama, though each carries its own connotations—“gamble” implies a conscious stake of resources, while “luck” suggests forces beyond your control. In more formal or academic contexts, consider terms like “probability,” “likelihood,” or “prospect” when speaking about statistical outcomes, research findings, or forecasts. If you want to convey a sense of venturing into the unknown, “venture” or “roll the dice” might suit a casual or creative style, especially in storytelling. “Fortuity” and “serendipity” suggest a positive, almost magical twist of fate when good outcomes appear by happenstance. Meanwhile, “coincidence” captures situations where events align without any apparent cause. Choose alternatives that match your intention—whether cautionary, hopeful, or purely descriptive—allowing you to shape tone, register, and emphasis in your conversation or text. Ultimately, each variation brings a unique flavor to the notion of events unfolding beyond one’s direct control, giving you flexibility in how you frame unpredictability or potential.
Writing
In writing, “chance” can underscore the role of unpredictability, setting the stage for tension or transformation. When crafting fiction, you might use it to spark plot twists: “By chance, the heroine found a long-lost letter that changed everything.” This instantly engages readers, suggesting that luck, fate, or coincidence plays a major part in unfolding events. In nonfiction or academic work, “chance” can appear in discussions of probability or risk, particularly in fields like economics, statistics, or social science research. When you highlight chance in such settings, pair it with data or expert opinion—perhaps noting how likelihood or random variation affects observed outcomes. You could also use it rhetorically to focus on opportunities: “We shouldn’t waste our chance to enact meaningful reform.” This phrasing both acknowledges risk and encourages decisive action, giving your argument emotional weight. Striking a balance is essential: overemphasizing chance might weaken an argument based on evidence, while ignoring it entirely can misrepresent the realities of uncertainty or serendipity in human endeavors. Where appropriate, you might contrast chance with deliberate choice, showing how free will, planning, or calculation can mitigate risks. By weaving “chance” into your work thoughtfully, you capture life’s mix of unpredictability and ambition, bringing realism, urgency, or suspense to your writing.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “chance” blends seamlessly into everyday topics, whether you’re talking about random coincidences or seizing opportunities. Friends might say, “There’s a chance we’ll see a movie tonight,” conveying a plan still up in the air. You could invite someone to do something spontaneous—“Wanna take a chance on that new restaurant?”—suggesting that trying unfamiliar places can be fun. Phrases like “by chance” are handy for sharing unexpected happenings: “We bumped into each other by chance at the mall.” Meanwhile, “give me a chance” signals wanting someone’s trust or patience, such as when you’re learning a new skill or proving you can handle responsibility. If you’re feeling bold, “take a chance” might be how you encourage a friend to apply for a job or ask someone out, injecting a sense of adventurous hope. Overall, the term adds lightness and spontaneity, letting you talk about the uncertain or hopeful sides of day-to-day life without needing heavy details. And if you want to be extra casual or playful, synonyms like “shot,” “spin,” or “crack” can spice it up—“Let me have a shot at cooking tonight!” In these interactions, “chance” can keep things positive, relaxed, and open to possibilities.
Etymology
The word “chance” stems from the Old French term “cheance,” derived from the Latin “cadentia,” meaning “falling” or “befalling”—closely linked to concepts of happening or event. Over the medieval period, as Latin and French infused European languages, the notion of “chance” evolved to represent occurrences that seem to ‘fall’ into one’s path without clear planning. In the early English usage, it leaned toward fortune or luck, often implying events guided by forces beyond human control. Later, Enlightenment-era shifts in understanding probability gave the term a more analytical edge, connecting chance with statistical likelihood. Today, its common usage embraces both the mystical aspects of luck and the rational side of probabilities, encompassing everything from cosmic serendipity to data-driven analyses. This dual identity—part unpredictability, part calculable risk—lies at the core of “chance,” reflecting humanity’s constant dance between fate and reason. Whether in casual chitchat, gambling metaphors, or deep philosophical inquiries about free will, the word has persisted, adapting to modern contexts while carrying centuries of meaning tied to randomness, probability, and opportunity.
