odds
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
The probability or chance that something will happen, often expressed numerically; a situation where success is unlikely or the chances are unequal.
The difference or imbalance between two opposing sides, factors, or amounts; used to refer to difficulties or disadvantages one faces; also the ratio used in betting.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a plural noun (treated as plural). The singular 'odd' is unrelated in meaning. Conceptually links probability, disadvantage, and conflict.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in idiom frequency. 'Over the odds' (paying too much) is chiefly British. 'Odds-on' (very likely) is common in both, but more frequent in UK betting contexts.
Connotations
Similar core connotations. In gambling contexts, 'odds' is slightly more culturally embedded in the UK.
Frequency
Comparable overall frequency; slightly higher in UK due to betting/gambling discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The odds of + V-ing/noun (The odds of winning are low)The odds that + clause (The odds that it will rain are high)Odds against + noun/pronoun (The odds against him are huge)At odds with + noun (He is at odds with his boss)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Against all odds”
- “At odds with”
- “The odds are stacked against someone”
- “Over the odds”
- “Odds and ends (related but distinct meaning)”
- “By all odds”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in risk assessment: 'The odds of the project succeeding have improved.'
Academic
Used in statistics and probability theory: 'The study calculated the odds ratio for the variable.'
Everyday
Used for general likelihood: 'What are the odds of getting a table without a reservation?'
Technical
In gambling and statistics: 'The bookmaker offered odds of 5 to 1.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The odds of rain tomorrow are high.
- They were friends, but now they are at odds.
- The team won against all odds.
- What are the odds of finding a parking space here?
- The odds are stacked against small businesses in the current economy.
- I'd put the odds of him arriving on time at about 50/50.
- Despite the overwhelming odds against the prosecution, the barrister secured a conviction.
- The statistical odds of such a coincidence are infinitesimally small.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DICE (sounds like 'dice' from 'odds') showing two different numbers, representing an unequal or probable situation.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAMBLE (facing the odds), CONFLICT IS IMBALANCE (at odds with someone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'strange' or 'weird' (the meaning of 'odd' as an adjective).
- The Russian word 'шансы' is a closer synonym than 'коэффициенты' in non-betting contexts.
- The phrase 'at odds with' translates to 'в противоречии с', not directly related to chance.
Common Mistakes
- Using a singular verb: 'The odds is low.' (Correct: 'The odds are low.')
- Confusing 'odds' with 'odd' (strange).
- Incorrect preposition: 'odds for winning' (less common; usually 'odds of/against winning').
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'in conflict or disagreement with'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun and takes a plural verb (e.g., 'The odds are good'). There is no singular form with this meaning.
It means achieving something despite it being very unlikely or difficult.
Yes, in many contexts they are synonyms, but 'odds' is often expressed as a ratio (e.g., 3 to 1), while probability is a fraction or percentage.
'Odds' (plural noun) relates to probability or disadvantage. 'Odd' (adjective) means strange or unusual, or (as a noun in 'odds and ends') a miscellaneous item.
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