Chance
/tʃæns/noun
The occurrence and development of events in the absence of any obvious intention or cause.
Did you know?Historically, 'chance' was associated with fate and fortune, often linked to the casting of lots or dice, embodying the belief that luck influences our lives.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kan-
“to hit or strike, related to the idea of chance as a hit of luck.”
Latin
Latin
cadentia
“a falling, coinciding with the concept of fate or chance.”
Old French
Old French
chance
“fortune, luck, emphasizing the randomness of events.”
Middle English
Middle English
chaunce
“a happening or occurrence, often linked to luck or fate.”
Modern English
English
chance
“the unpredictable factor in events, evolving into a broad term for luck or randomness.”