chance

Pluralchances

Formschances, chancing, chanced

1. 1
   opportunitynouncountable

   A good time or moment when you can do something you want.

   Like an open door you can walk through if you act quickly.

   This is your chance to show what you can do.

   Everyone deserves a fair chance at the job.

   UsageSay a chance to do something, or get the chance.

   Similaropportunity, opening

   Note
2. 2
   possibilitynouncountable or uncountable

   The possibility that something could happen or be true.

   There is little chance of finishing the work today.

   Is there any chance you can help me move?

   UsageThe chances are means it is likely. Say a chance of rain.

   Similarpossibility, probability, eventuality, contingency, potentiality

3. 3
   by lucknoununcountable

   Luck, or things that happen for no clear reason.

   Like rolling dice: you cannot control what comes up.

   We met by chance in the park one afternoon.

   Whether it rains on the trip is just chance.

   UsageSay by chance: we met by chance.

   Similarluck, fortune, accident, serendipity

   Oppositedesign, intention

4. 4
   riskverbtransitive

   To try something even though it might go wrong.

   Like jumping into cold water before checking how deep it is.

   Let's chance it and drive through the storm.

   Don't chance crossing the road without looking both ways.

   UsagePeople often say let's chance it.

   Similarrisk, gamble, stake, venture

   Note
5. 5
   accidentaladjective

   Not planned, but happening by luck.

   Like bumping into a friend while you are out shopping.

   A chance meeting brought the two old friends back together.

   It was just a chance look that caught the mistake.

   UsagePut it before a noun: a chance meeting.

   Similaraccidental, unplanned, fortuitous, random, unexpected

   Oppositeplanned, deliberate, intentional, arranged

   Note

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