chance

Definitions

Chance came through Old French cheance from Latin cadere ('to fall') — literally 'a falling-out,' how things happen to land, like dice. That single image splits into both modern senses: 'opportunity' (a good chance = a favorable way things could fall) and 'randomness' (by chance = however the dice fell, outside your control).

Why It Means This

Chance is the most worn-down member of the cadere family — it lost its Latin look entirely passing through French. The core idea never changed: how things fall out. That's why one short word carries two faces. When the falling looks promising, it's an opportunity (seize the chance). When the falling is unpredictable, it's randomness (leave it to chance, a game of chance). Both are about outcomes you don't fully control.

Common Collocations

• 1.by chance碰巧
• 2.a good chance很有可能
• 3.take a chance冒险一试
• 4.last chance最后机会
• 5.chance of…的可能性

Example Sentences

• 1.

  This is your last chance to change your mind.

• 2.

  We met by chance at the airport.

• 3.

  There's a good chance it will rain tomorrow.

• 4.

  I decided to chance it and invest everything.

Easily Confused

chance vs. opportunity: both mean a possibility to act, but opportunity is always favorable and somewhat formal (a career opportunity). Chance can be favorable (a chance to win) or just probabilistic (a 50% chance of rain), and is more everyday. You take a chance (accept risk) but you seize an opportunity.