odds
UK: ɒdz | US: ɑːdz
n. the probability or likelihood of something happening
n. (plural) differences or inequalities in favor of one side
n. (in betting) the ratio of potential winnings to the stake
odds = odd<uneven> + s<plural suffix>
- odd (from Old Norse oddi, meaning "point of land" or "triangle," later evolving to mean "uneven" or "singular")
- s (English plural suffix)
Etymology Origin:
The word "odds" originated from the Old Norse oddi, referring to a triangular piece of land, which metaphorically represented something uneven or irregular. By the 16th century, "odd" came to mean "unequal" or "unmatched," and the plural form "odds" emerged to describe imbalances, disparities, or probabilities in betting and chance.
The odds of winning the lottery are extremely low.
Despite the odds, she succeeded in her business venture.
The team overcame heavy odds to win the championship.
The bookmaker offered favorable odds on the underdog.
They argued over the odds of rain during their picnic.