Odds
ɒdz
Definitions
3 meaningsThe chances that a particular thing will happen; the ratio of the probability of an event occurring to the probability of it not occurring.
ɒdz
The probability of something happening.
The odds of encountering a bear in this forest are relatively low.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're flipping a coin. The 'odds' tell you how likely it is to land on heads or tails. If the odds are high for tails, it's more likely to happen!
👶 For kids: How likely something is to happen. Like, what are the odds you will find a toy under your bed?
More Examples
Against all odds, the team managed to win the championship.
The bookmaker offered good odds on the underdog.
How It's Used
"The odds of winning the lottery are extremely low."
"The odds ratio is a measure of the association between an exposure and an outcome."
"What are the odds that it will rain today?"
Unfavorable circumstances or conditions; a disadvantage.
ɒdz
A disadvantage or difficulty.
They overcame the odds and achieved their goal.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game and the rules are unfair to you. The 'odds' are like those unfair rules or difficult situations you have to face.
👶 For kids: When things are hard. Like when you have to run a race and it's uphill the whole way.
More Examples
He was up against impossible odds.
Fighting the odds, the small company was able to survive.
How It's Used
"Despite the odds, she persevered and succeeded."
"They faced many odds during their journey."
Miscellaneous articles or remnants; leftovers.
ɒdz
Things left over; remains; remnants.
She gathered the odds and ends and put them in the storage.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're cleaning your room and finding little bits of things you don't really need. Those are 'odds and ends'!
👶 For kids: Leftover stuff that doesn't really match. Like those extra puzzle pieces you can't use.
More Examples
The sale included a selection of odds and ends.
We have a box full of odds and ends from the move.
How It's Used
"The odds and ends were packed away in boxes."
"The sale offered odds and ends for half price."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
against all odds
Despite all the difficulties or unfavorable circumstances; despite the apparent impossibility of success.
"Against all odds, she managed to win the competition."
to give (someone) the odds
To offer someone a handicap or advantage, often in a competition or bet.
"The bookmaker gave us the odds on the horse race."
odds and ends
Small, unimportant items of various kinds; miscellaneous things.
"I need to clear out all the odds and ends from the garage."
From Middle English *oddes*, plural of *odd* 'uneven, unpaired'.
Used since the late 16th century, referring to the probability or chance of something.
Memory tip
Think of the "odds" as the chances stacked *against* something happening.
Word Origin
"point, tip"