chance

Definitions

1. 1.The operation or activity of such agent. By chance a priest came down that way. Luke x.
2. 2.3. The supposed effect of such an agent; something that befalls, as the result of unknown or unconsidered forces; the issue of uncertain conditions; an event not calculated upon; an unexpected occurrence; a happening; accident; fortuity; casualty. It was a chance that happened to us. 1 Sam. vi.
3. 3.The Knave of Diamonds tries his wily arts, And wins (O shameful chance!) the Queen of Hearts. Pope. I spake of most disastrous chance. Shak.
4. 4.A possibity; a likelihood; an opportunity; -- with reference to a doubtful result; as, a chance result; as, a chance to escape; a chance for life; the chances are all against him. So weary with disasters, tugged with fortune. That I would get my life on any chance, To mend it, or be rid on't Shak.
5. 5.(Math.) Probability. Note: The mathematical expression, of a chance is the ratio of frequency with which an event happens in the long run. If an event may happen in a ways and may fail in b ways, and each of these a + b ways is equally likely, the chance, or probability, that the event will happen is measured by the fraction a/(a + b), and the chance, or probability, that it will fail is measured by b/(a + b). Chance comer, one who, comes unexpectedly. -- The last chance, the sole remaining ground of hope. -- The main chance, the chief opportunity; that upon which reliance is had, esp. self-interest. -- Theory of chances, Doctrine of chances (Math.), that branch of mathematics which treats of the probability of the occurrence of particular events, as the fall of dice in given positions. -- To mind one's chances, to take advantage of every circumstance; to seize every opportunity.
6. 6.To happen, come, or arrive, without design or expectation. "Things that chance daily." Robynson (More's Utopia). If a bird's nest chance to be before thee. Deut. xxii.
7. 7.I chanced on this letter. Shak. Note: Often used impersonally; as, how chances it How chance, thou art returned so soon Shak.
8. 8.To take the chances of; to venture upon; -- usually with it as object. Come what will, I will chance it. W. D. Howells.
9. 9.To befall; to happen to. [Obs.] W. Lambarde.
10. 10.Happening by chance; casual.
11. 11.By chance; perchance. Gray.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

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Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is chance.

• What is the operation or activity of such agent. By chance a priest came down that way. Luke x called?
• What is the Knave of Diamonds tries his wily arts, And wins (O shameful chance!) the Queen of Hearts. Pope. I spake of most disastrous chance. Shak called?
• What is to happen, come, or arrive, without design or expectation. "Things that chance daily." Robynson (More's Utopia). If a bird's nest chance to be before thee. Deut. xxii called?
• What is i chanced on this letter. Shak. Note: Often used impersonally; as, how chances it How chance, thou art returned so soon Shak called?
• What is to take the chances of; to venture upon; -- usually with it as object. Come what will, I will chance it. W. D. Howells called?
• What is to befall; to happen to. [Obs.] W. Lambarde called?