The word "chance" can be used as a noun or a verb, and it has several synonyms depending on its meaning.
As a Noun
- Opportunity
- Meaning: A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
- Analysis: "Chance" and "opportunity" are often interchangeable when referring to a favorable moment or situation. For example, "I had a chance/opportunity to meet a famous author at the book fair." However, "opportunity" may imply a more planned or anticipated situation. It's often associated with a window of time in which one can take advantage of something. For instance, a job interview is seen as an opportunity for a person to showcase their skills and get a job, while a chance encounter with a potential employer might be more unexpected.
- Probability
- Meaning: The extent to which something is likely to happen; the likelihood of an event.
- Analysis: When "chance" is used to talk about the likelihood of an event, "probability" is a synonym. For example, "What's the chance/probability of winning the lottery?" But "probability" is a more technical term, often used in mathematics and statistics. It's used to calculate and express the odds of an event in a more precise way. For example, in a coin - toss, the probability of getting heads is 0.5.
- Fortune
- Meaning: Luck or chance as an external force affecting human affairs.
- Analysis: "Fortune" has a stronger connotation of a force that controls or influences events. For example, "By chance/fortune, he found a valuable antique at the flea market." "Fortune" is also related to the idea of good or bad luck in a more overarching sense. We often talk about someone's "good fortune" or "bad fortune" when referring to the overall trend of lucky or unlucky events in their life.
- Possibility
- Meaning: A thing that may happen or be the case.
- Analysis: "Chance" and "possibility" both refer to the potential for something to occur. For example, "There's a chance/possibility that it will rain tomorrow." However, "possibility" is a more general term and can refer to a wider range of potential scenarios. It's often used to consider different options or outcomes. For example, in a brainstorming session, people discuss the possibilities of different solutions to a problem.
As a Verb
- Risk
- Meaning: To expose (someone or something valued) to danger, harm, or loss.
- Analysis: When "chance" is used as a verb meaning to take a risk, "risk" is a synonym. For example, "He chanced/risked his life to save the drowning child." "Risk" is a more direct way of expressing the act of putting something in a potentially dangerous or uncertain situation. It's often used in contexts where the consequences of an action are considered, such as in business or sports.
- Hazard
- Meaning: To venture to make or do (something); to expose to chance.
- Analysis: Similar to "risk," "hazard" as a verb means to take a chance or put something at risk. For example, "She chanced/hazard a guess on the difficult question." "Hazard" has a slightly more old - fashioned or formal tone and is often used in more literary or cautious language. It implies a degree of uncertainty and potential danger in the action being taken.