chance

How likely it is that something will happen.

• There is a chance of rain.
• Our chances of winning have improved.
• What is the chance that he will agree?

How to use it: a chance of something (There is a chance of snow tonight.); a chance that… (There is a chance that the train will be late.)

Similar words: likelihood, probability, possibility

Common phrases: chance of rain, good chance, little chance, high chance

An occasion when you can do something you want to do.

• Give me a chance to explain.
• I missed my chance to ask her.
• Everyone deserves a second chance.

How to use it: a chance to do something (She had a chance to study abroad.)

Similar words: opportunity, opening

Common phrases: give someone a chance, second chance, chance to learn

Events happening without being planned or controlled.

• We found the shop by chance.
• Their meeting was pure chance.
• In this game, chance matters more than skill.

Similar words: luck, accident

Common phrases: by chance, pure chance, game of chance

To do something even though it might fail or cause problems.

• We could wait, or chance it.
• They chanced a swim despite the cold water.
• I chanced the trip without booking a room.

Similar words: risk

Common phrases: chance it, chance a swim

To find something or meet someone without planning to.

• We chanced upon a small cafe.
• He chanced across the letter while cleaning.
• They chanced upon each other in a distant city.

How to use it: chance upon someone/something (We chanced upon an old friend at the market.); chance across something (She chanced across a useful book.)

Similar words: come across, happen upon, stumble upon

Common phrases: chance upon something, chance across something

To trick someone into losing money or possessions.

• That salesman chanced me.
• They chanced several buyers before disappearing.
• She realized she had been chanced when the seller vanished.

Similar words: cheat, swindle, con

Common phrases: chance someone, chance a buyer