Definition of "chance" in English

noun

1. (countable) An opportunity or possibility.

   • We had the chance to meet the president last week: we have a good/strong chance of making / to make a profit.
   • There was a fat/slim chance that my letter would arrive in time.
   • If you get the chance, try and catch the new production of "Hamlet."

2. (uncountable) Random occurrence; luck.

   • Why leave it to chance when a few simple steps will secure the desired outcome?
   • My whole life seems to be ruled by blind chance.

3. (countable) The probability of something happening.

   • There is a 30 percent chance of rain tomorrow.

4. (in plural as chances) probability; possibility.

5. (countable, archaic) What befalls or happens to a person; their lot or fate.

adjective

1. Happening by chance, casual.

adverb

1. (obsolete) Perchance; perhaps.

verb

1. (archaic, intransitive) To happen by chance, to occur.

   • It chanced that I found a solution the very next day.

2. (archaic, transitive) To befall; to happen to.

3. To try or risk.

   • Shall we carry the umbrella, or chance a rainstorm?

4. To discover something by chance.

   • He chanced upon a kindly stranger who showed him the way.

5. (Belize) To rob, cheat or swindle someone.

   • The car broke down a week after I bought it. I was chanced by that fast-talking salesman.

6. (Nigeria) To take an opportunity from someone; to cut a queue.