Chance vs. Change — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 7, 2024
Chance refers to the possibility of something happening, often related to luck or randomness, while change denotes a transition from one state to another, indicating alteration or transformation.
Difference Between Chance and Change
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chance is associated with the likelihood or probability of events occurring without deliberate intention or predictable cause, often underpinned by randomness or uncertainty. It is a concept widely used in contexts like gambling, where outcomes are uncertain, or in everyday language to express the unpredictability of life's events. For example, saying "there's a chance of rain tomorrow" conveys uncertainty and the lack of control over weather conditions.
Change, on the other hand, signifies the process or act of becoming different, highlighting a departure from a previous condition, state, or position. This can involve physical, social, psychological, or environmental transformations, ranging from simple alterations like changing clothes to significant life events like changing jobs or moving to a new city. Change can be intentional and planned, such as adopting a new habit, or involuntary and unexpected, like sudden changes in the economy.
In the realm of probability and decision-making, chance plays a crucial role in assessing risks and making predictions, often requiring mathematical models to quantify uncertainties. Conversely, change is a fundamental concept in disciplines like history, biology, and physics, where understanding the dynamics of transformation is key to comprehending complex systems and phenomena.
Culturally, chance is often romanticized or feared, viewed as a mysterious force that can bring fortune or misfortune, leading to various beliefs and practices aimed at influencing or predicting outcomes. Change, however, is a pervasive theme in human narratives and philosophies, reflecting on the inevitability of transformation in life, societies, and the natural world, with attitudes towards change ranging from resistance and fear to embrace and advocacy.
While chance involves elements of unpredictability and potential, it does not inherently imply progression or development. Change, by its nature, involves a transition that can lead to growth, decay, innovation, or decline, embodying the dynamic aspect of existence and the passage of time.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The possibility of something happening, often randomly.
The act or process of becoming different.
Nature
Random, uncertain, and unpredictable.
Dynamic, involving transition and transformation.
Contexts
Used in probabilities, risks, and unpredictable outcomes.
Applicable to physical, social, psychological changes.
Examples
Winning a lottery, chance encounters.
Moving to a new city, changing jobs, altering habits.
Cultural Perception
Often associated with luck, fortune, or fate.
Viewed in terms of growth, progress, or decline.
Compare with Definitions
Chance
An opportunity or possibility.
Give him a chance to explain.
Change
Replacing one thing with another.
She changed the room's layout.
Chance
A risk or gamble.
Taking a chance on a new business venture.
Change
To make or become different.
He decided to change his career path.
Chance
The likelihood of an event occurring.
There's a good chance it will rain tonight.
Change
The process of altering or moving from one state to another.
Change is a constant in the tech industry.
Chance
The occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious intention.
Meeting her there was just by chance.
Change
A transformation or modification.
The change in weather was sudden.
Chance
Relating to probability or randomness.
The outcome is subject to chance.
Change
A shift in position or direction.
There's been a change in plans.
Chance
The unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause.
Change
To cause to be different; alter
We decided to change the color of the walls. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.
Chance
A force assumed to cause events that cannot be foreseen or controlled; luck
Chance will determine the outcome.
Change
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform
The new homeowners changed the yard into a garden.
Chance
Often chances The likelihood of something happening; possibility or probability
Chances are good that you will win. Is there any chance of rain?.
Change
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
Anne and I changed seats so that she could sit next to the aisle.
Chance
An accidental or unpredictable event
"He sprang to his feet and turned to run. At the same moment by a lucky chance the moon broke through the clouds" (Arthur Conan Doyle).
Change
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
Change one's name.
A light that changes colors.
Chance
A favorable set of circumstances; an opportunity
A chance to escape.
Change
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch
Change methods.
Change sides.
Chance
A risk or hazard; a gamble
Took a chance that the ice would hold me.
Change
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another
In Chicago, we'll have to change planes.
Chance
(Games) A raffle or lottery ticket.
Change
To give or receive the equivalent of (money) in lower denominations or in foreign currency
This machine will change dollar bills into coins. At the airport, the traveler changed British pounds into euros.
Chance
(Baseball) An opportunity to make a putout or an assist that counts as an error if unsuccessful.
Change
To put fresh clothes or coverings on
It's your turn to change the baby. I'll show you how to change the bed.
Chance
Caused by or ascribable to chance; unexpected, random, or casual
A chance encounter.
A chance result.
Change
To become different or undergo alteration
He changed as he matured. The town grew and changed over the years.
Chance
To take the risk or hazard of
We thought we could jump over the puddle, but we were not willing to chance it.
Change
To undergo transformation or transition
The music changed to a slow waltz.
Chance
To have the fortune (to be or do something); happen
"My eye chanced to fall on the wizened houseplant on the windowsill" (Elisabeth Brink).
Change
To go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons.
Chance
Used with the impersonal subject it and a following clause or infinitive to indicate the occurrence of a usually unexpected or chance event
"Now it chanced that this car-line was owned by gentlemen who were trying to make money" (Upton Sinclair).
Change
To make an exchange; switch
If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
Chance
(countable) An opportunity or possibility.
We had the chance to meet the president last week.
Change
To transfer from one conveyance to another
She changed in Detroit on her way to California.
Chance
(uncountable) Random occurrence; luck.
Why leave it to chance when a few simple steps will secure the desired outcome?
Change
To put on other clothing
We changed for dinner. They changed into work clothes.
Chance
(countable) The probability of something happening.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain tomorrow.
Change
To become deeper in tone
His voice began to change at age 13.
Chance
(in plural as chances) probability; possibility.
Change
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying
A change in facial expression.
A last-minute change in the schedule.
Chance
What befalls or happens to a person; their lot or fate.
Change
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution
A change of atmosphere.
A change of ownership.
Chance
Happening by chance, casual.
Change
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another
The change of seasons.
Chance
(obsolete) Perchance; perhaps.
Change
Something different; variety
Ate early for a change.
Chance
To happen by chance, to occur.
It chanced that I found a solution the very next day.
Change
A different or fresh set of clothing
I brought along a change of shirts to the overnight party.
Chance
To befall; to happen to.
Change
Money of smaller denomination given or received in exchange for money of higher denomination
Will you give me change of four quarters for a dollar?.
Chance
To try or risk.
Shall we carry the umbrella, or chance a rainstorm?
Change
The balance of money returned when an amount given is more than what is due
I paid $3 for the coffee that cost $2.50, so I received 50 cents in change.
Chance
To discover something by chance.
He chanced upon a kindly stranger who showed him the way.
Change
Coins
Loose change was jingling in my pocket.
Chance
(Belize) To rob, cheat or swindle someone.
The car broke down a week after I bought it. I was chanced by that fast-talking salesman.
Change
A pattern or order in which bells are rung.
Chance
A supposed material or psychical agent or mode of activity other than a force, law, or purpose; fortune; fate; - in this sense often personified.
It is strictly and philosophically true in nature and reason that there is no such thing as chance or accident; it being evident that these words do not signify anything really existing, anything that is truly an agent or the cause of any event; but they signify merely men's ignorance of the real and immediate cause.
Any society into which chance might throw him.
That powerWhich erring men call Chance.
Change
In jazz, a change of harmony; a modulation.
Chance
The operation or activity of such agent.
By chance a priest came down that way.
Change
A market or exchange where business is transacted.
Chance
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.
In the field of observation, chance favors only the mind that is prepared.
It was a chance that happened to us.
The Knave of Diamonds tries his wily arts,And wins (O shameful chance!) the Queen of Hearts.
I spake of most disastrous chance.
Change
(intransitive) To become something different.
The tadpole changed into a frog.
Stock prices are constantly changing.
Chance
A possibility; a likelihood; an opportunity; - with reference to a doubtful 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
Change
To make something into something else.
The fairy changed the frog into a prince.
I had to change the wording of the ad so it would fit.
Chance
Probability.
Change
(transitive) To replace.
Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.
After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.
Chance
To happen, come, or arrive, without design or expectation.
If a bird's nest chance to be before thee.
I chanced on this letter.
How chance, thou art returned so soon?
Change
(intransitive) To replace one's clothing.
You can't go into the dressing room while she's changing.
The clowns changed into their costumes before the circus started.
Chance
To take the chances of; to venture upon; - usually with it as object.
Come what will, I will chance it.
Change
(transitive) To replace the clothing of (the one wearing it).
It's your turn to change the baby.
Chance
To befall; to happen to.
Change
(intransitive) To transfer to another vehicle (train, bus, etc.)
Chance
Happening by chance; casual.
Change
(archaic) To exchange.
Chance
By chance; perchance.
Change
(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).
To change a horse
Chance
A possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances;
The holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington
Now is your chance
Change
The process of becoming different.
The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.
Chance
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another;
Bad luck caused his downfall
We ran into each other by pure chance
Change
(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.
Can I get change for this $100 bill please?
Chance
A risk involving danger;
You take a chance when you let her drive
Change
(countable) A replacement.
A change of clothes
Chance
A measure of how likely it is that some event will occur;
What is the probability of rain?
We have a good chance of winning
Change
(uncountable) Balance of money returned from the sum paid after deducting the price of a purchase.
A customer who pays with a 10-pound note for a £9 item receives one pound in change.
Chance
Be the case by chance;
I chanced to meet my old friend in the street
Change
(uncountable) An amount of cash, usually in the form of coins, but sometimes inclusive of paper money.
Do you have any change on you? I need to make a phone call.
This bus ride requires exact change.
Chance
Take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;
When you buy these stocks you are gambling
Change
(countable) A transfer between vehicles.
The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.
Chance
Come upon, as if by accident; meet with;
We find this idea in Plato
I happened upon the most wonderful bakery not very far from here
She chanced upon an interesting book in the bookstore the other day
Change
(baseball) A change-up pitch.
Chance
Occurring or appearing or singled out by chance;
Their accidental meeting led to a renewal of their friendship
Seek help from casual passers-by
A casual meeting
A chance occurrence
Change
(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
Change
To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance.
Therefore will I change their glory into shame.
Change
To alter by substituting something else for, or by giving up for something else; as, to change the clothes; to change one's occupation; to change one's intention.
They that do change old love for new,Pray gods, they change for worse!
Change
To give and take reciprocally; to exchange; - followed by with; as, to change place, or hats, or money, with another.
Look upon those thousands with whom thou wouldst not, for any interest, change thy fortune and condition.
Change
Specifically: To give, or receive, smaller denominations of money (technically called change) for; as, to change a gold coin or a bank bill.
He pulled out a thirty-pound note and bid me change it.
Change
To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better.
For I am Lord, I change not.
Change
To pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night.
Change
Any variation or alteration; a passing from one state or form to another; as, a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles.
Apprehensions of a change of dynasty.
All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Change
A succesion or substitution of one thing in the place of another; a difference; novelty; variety; as, a change of seasons.
Our fathers did for change to France repair.
The ringing grooves of change.
Change
A passing from one phase to another; as, a change of the moon.
Change
Alteration in the order of a series; permutation.
Change
That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty change (R.V. changes) of garments.
Change
Small money; the money by means of which the larger coins and bank bills are made available in small dealings; hence, the balance returned when payment is tendered by a coin or note exceeding the sum due.
Change
A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
They call an alehouse a change.
Change
Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing.
Change
An event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another;
The change was intended to increase sales
This storm is certainly a change for the worse
The neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago
Change
A relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;
He attributed the change to their marriage
Change
The action of changing something;
The change of government had no impact on the economy
His change on abortion cost him the election
Change
The result of alteration or modification;
There were marked changes in the lining of the lungs
There had been no change in the mountains
Change
The balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due;
I paid with a twenty and pocketed the change
Change
A thing that is different;
He inspected several changes before selecting one
Change
A different or fresh set of clothes;
She brought a change in her overnight bag
Change
Coins of small denomination regarded collectively;
He had a pocketful of change
Change
Money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency;
He got change for a twenty and used it to pay the taxi driver
Change
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
Change
Undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature;
She changed completely as she grew older
The weather changed last night
Change
Cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;
The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
Change
Make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence;
Her mood changes in accordance with the weather
The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
Change
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Change
Change clothes; put on different clothes;
Change before you go to the opera
Change
Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;
Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
He changed his name
Convert centimeters into inches
Convert holdings into shares
Change
Give to, and receive from, one another;
Would you change places with me?
We have been exchanging letters for a year
Change
Change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;
She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast
Change
Become deeper in tone;
His voice began to change when he was 12 years old
Her voice deepened when she whispered the password
Change
Remove or replace the coverings of;
Father had to learn how to change the baby
After each guest we changed the bed linens
Common Curiosities
Are all changes beneficial?
Not all changes are beneficial; they can have positive, negative, or neutral impacts depending on the context, perspective, and nature of the change.
How do individuals cope with change?
Individuals cope with change through various strategies, including adaptation, seeking support, maintaining flexibility, and embracing learning opportunities.
Can chance lead to significant changes?
Yes, chance events can lead to significant changes in personal lives, societies, or natural environments, often unexpectedly.
How is chance used in scientific research?
In scientific research, chance is accounted for in statistical analyses to determine the likelihood that results are due to random variation versus a specific cause.
Can societal attitudes towards change evolve?
Societal attitudes towards change can and do evolve, influenced by cultural, technological, and historical developments, reflecting shifts in values and priorities.
How can one increase the chances of success?
Increasing the chances of success often involves preparation, planning, gaining knowledge, and making informed decisions to mitigate risks.
Can chance be controlled or predicted?
While chance by nature involves uncertainty, certain aspects can be estimated with probabilities, though complete control or prediction is often impossible.
Is it possible to have change without chance?
Yes, many changes are deliberate and planned, occurring without the involvement of chance, especially in controlled or designed processes.
What role does change play in evolution?
Change is a fundamental principle in evolution, with genetic variations and environmental changes driving the adaptation and development of species over time.
How can understanding chance improve decision-making?
Understanding chance can improve decision-making by helping individuals and organizations assess risks, consider probabilities, and prepare for various outcomes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
