chance

UK: tʃɑːns | US: tʃæns

Definition
  1. n. a possibility of something happening; an opportunity

  2. n. the occurrence of events without apparent cause; luck

  3. vt. to risk or happen upon something unexpectedly

Structure

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Etymology

The word "chance" originates from Old French cheance, derived from Latin cadentia (a falling), from cadere (to fall). The concept evolved from the literal sense of "falling" (as in dice) to metaphorically represent unpredictable events or luck. By the 14th century, it entered English with meanings tied to fortune and opportunity, reflecting the randomness of life's "falls."

Examples
  1. There's a slight chance of rain tomorrow.

  2. She took a chance and invested in the startup.

  3. Winning the lottery was pure chance.

  4. He chanced upon an old friend in the market.

  5. Don’t leave things to chance—plan carefully.