lottery
B2Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A form of gambling where people buy numbered tickets, and prizes are given to those whose numbers are drawn by chance.
A process or situation whose success or outcome is governed purely by chance; a risky or uncertain venture.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically a countable noun, but often used as an uncountable noun referring to the concept or system (e.g., 'He won money in the lottery'). Can be used metaphorically to describe any system where outcomes are random.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In the UK, 'lottery' is often associated with the National Lottery. In the US, 'lottery' is frequently run by individual states (e.g., 'Powerball', 'Mega Millions').
Connotations
Similar in both. The primary meaning is a game of chance. Metaphorical use ('life is a lottery') is equally common.
Frequency
Highly frequent in both varieties due to widespread legal gambling.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
enter a/the lotteryplay the lotterywin the lotteryrun/organise a lotterybe a lottery (metaphorical)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life is a lottery.”
- “It's a complete lottery.”
- “Winning the lottery (used hyperbolically for sudden good fortune).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contexts discussing gambling revenue, state budgets, or fundraising. 'Lottery proceeds funded the new community centre.'
Academic
Used in economics or sociology to discuss risk, probability, or regressive taxation. 'The study examined the demographics of lottery participation.'
Everyday
Most common. Discussing buying tickets, winning, or metaphorical chance. 'I never win the lottery.' 'Getting a seat on this train is a lottery.'
Technical
In mathematics/statistics, referring to systems of random selection. 'The allocation of grants was done by lottery.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not standard. 'To lottery' is not used.
- Verbal concept expressed as 'to enter a lottery'.
American English
- Not standard. 'To lottery' is not used.
- Verbal concept expressed as 'to play the lottery'.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- lottery-funded (project)
- lottery-style (draw)
American English
- lottery-related (expenses)
- lottery-winning (ticket)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She buys a lottery ticket every week.
- Do you want to play the lottery?
- He won a small prize in the national lottery.
- Finding a parking space in the city centre is a real lottery.
- The allocation of social housing was criticised for being a complete lottery.
- State lotteries contribute significant revenue to public education funds.
- The venture capital industry has been described as a high-stakes lottery, with a few outliers generating most returns.
- The researcher used a lottery-based randomised control trial to assess the policy's impact.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LOTs of people buying tickets, hoping to win a LOT of money, all dependent on LUCK.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE / SUCCESS / OPPORTUNITY IS A LOTTERY (random, chancy, unpredictable).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лютый' (fierce).
- The Russian word 'лотерея' is a direct cognate, but metaphorical usage ('it's a lottery') may require explanation.
- In Russian, 'розыгрыш' can mean 'draw' or 'prank' – ensure correct context.
Common Mistakes
- Using uncountable incorrectly: 'I play lottery.' (Correct: 'I play the lottery.').
- Misspelling: 'lottary', 'lotery'.
- Confusing 'lottery' with 'bingo' or 'casino games'.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these sentences is 'lottery' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while the primary meaning involves money prizes, it's commonly used metaphorically for any situation governed by pure chance (e.g., 'Surviving the crash was a lottery').
A lottery usually involves buying a numbered ticket for a cash prize. A raffle typically involves buying a ticket for a chance to win a specific item or set of items. A sweepstake often involves predicting the outcome of an event (like a race) to win a prize.
No, 'lottery' is not used as a standard verb in modern English. Use phrases like 'enter a lottery', 'play the lottery', or 'run a lottery'.
Using the definite article 'the' often refers to the main or most familiar lottery in that context (e.g., the UK National Lottery or the state lottery). It can also be used generically ('the lottery' as an institution).
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