Chance

/tʃɑːns/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A possibility, likelihood, or opportunity.

/tʃɑːns/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A possibility or probability of something happening.

Do you have a chance to finish your homework?

💡 Simply: It's like a possibility; something that *might* happen. Like, there's a chance you'll find a $20 bill on the sidewalk, but it's not guaranteed!

👶 For kids: A possibility of something happening.

More Examples

2

There's a small chance it will snow.

How It's Used

Everyday Life

"There's a chance it might rain later."

Gambling

"He took a chance on the lottery."

2

To take a risk; to dare to try.

/tʃɑːns/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To risk or take a gamble on something.

I chanced going on that rollercoaster, even though I'm scared of heights.

💡 Simply: It means to take a risk, to try something even if it might not work out. Like, I chanced wearing my new shoes to the playground, even though I was worried I'd get them muddy.

👶 For kids: To try something even if it might be risky.

More Examples

2

She chanced meeting him at the coffee shop.

How It's Used

Informal Conversation

"I'm going to chance it and go for a run, even though it might rain."

Tip:To 'chance' something means to take a risk and hope for the best.

Idioms & expressions

take a chance

To take a risk.

"I decided to take a chance and ask her out."

From Old French *chance, from Vulgar Latin *cadentia, from Latin cadere "to fall"

Historically, the word 'chance' had a stronger association with fate or destiny.

Memory tip

Think of a 'chance' encounter – an unexpected meeting.

Base: chance
chencechace

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written