Chance Meaning

UK /tʃɑːns/
US /tʃæns/
Word Definition
chance meaning

Chance Definition & Usage

noun

A possibility of something happening or being true, typically with an element of uncertainty.

Examples

  • "There's a good chance we'll finish the project by Friday."
  • "He has a chance of winning the race if he trains harder."
  • "I was given the chance to speak at the conference last year."
  • "There's no chance of finding a table at this restaurant without a reservation."
  • "I took a chance on that stock and it paid off."
noun

A favorable opportunity or occasion for something to happen.

Examples

  • "She missed the chance to apologize before it was too late."
  • "The job offer was the chance of a lifetime."
  • "They made the most of their chance to travel abroad."
  • "Don't let this opportunity slip by, it's your chance to succeed."
  • "He took a chance on a new career path and it worked out."
verb

To risk or attempt something with an uncertain outcome, often involving some level of risk.

Examples

  • "I wouldn't chance driving in this weather."
  • "Do you think we should chance it and cross the river?"
  • "They decided to chance a visit to the old house despite the warnings."
  • "I wouldn’t chance calling him without knowing if he’s free."
  • "She chanced upon a rare book at the flea market."
noun

A situation or event that occurs due to luck or coincidence.

Examples

  • "It was just a chance that I ran into my old friend at the airport."
  • "Winning the lottery was pure chance."
  • "The timing was a total chance; I wasn’t expecting to get an interview that day."
  • "It was by chance that he found the missing keys in the drawer."
  • "Her appearance on the show was just by chance, as she happened to be in the right place at the right time."

Cultural Context

The concept of 'chance' has been central to human thought for centuries, especially in the fields of probability and decision-making. From ancient civilizations pondering fate and luck to modern probability theory, the word 'chance' has evolved but remains deeply connected to uncertainty and opportunity.

The Chance Encounter

Story

The Chance Encounter

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon when Sarah decided to take a walk in the park. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow across the trees. As she strolled down the path, she noticed an old bookstore tucked away at the corner. She had never seen it before, and something told her she should check it out. After all, what was the harm? 'What do I have to lose?' she thought, taking a chance on the hidden shop. Inside, the air smelled of leather and paper. As she wandered through the aisles, a book caught her eye—a rare edition of a novel she'd been searching for years. She couldn't believe her luck. This was her chance to finally own it. But then, a voice interrupted her reverie. 'Isn't that a beautiful find?' a man said, smiling at her from behind the counter. Startled, Sarah looked up to see a familiar face. It was Mark, an old friend from college. They had lost touch after graduation, but here he was, working in a bookstore she’d never noticed before. 'What are the chances of running into you here?' Sarah exclaimed. 'Pretty good, it seems,' Mark chuckled. 'I’ve been working here for a while now. It’s funny how life brings people back together by chance.' They spent the next hour reminiscing about the past, sharing stories about their college days. As Sarah left the bookstore, she realized that the book wasn’t the only thing she had found by chance that day—she had rediscovered an old friend. The encounter had been unexpected, but perfect in every way. Life, Sarah thought, was full of chances. You just had to be willing to take them when they came along.

The Chance Encounter