odds

[odz]

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. the probability that something is so, will occur, or is more likely to occur than something else.

   The odds are that it will rain today.

2. the ratio of probability that something is so, will occur, or is more likely to occur than something else.

3. this ratio used as the basis of a bet; the ratio by which the bet of one party to a wager exceeds that of the other, granted by one of two betting opponents to equalize the chances favoring one of them.

   The odds are two-to-one that it won't rain today.

4. an equalizing allowance, as that given the weaker person or team in a contest; handicap.

5. an advantage or degree of superiority on the side of two contending parties; a difference favoring one of two contestants.

6. an amount or degree by which one thing is better or worse than another.

odds

/ ɒdz /

plural noun

1. the probability, expressed as a ratio, that a certain event will take place

   the odds against the outsider are a hundred to one

2. the amount, expressed as a ratio, by which the wager of one better is greater than that of another

   he was offering odds of five to one

3. the likelihood that a certain state of affairs will be found to be so

   the odds are that he is drunk

4. the chances or likelihood of success in a certain undertaking

   their odds were very poor after it rained

5. an equalizing allowance, esp one given to a weaker side in a contest

6. the advantage that one contender is judged to have over another

   the odds are on my team

7. a significant difference (esp in the phrase it makes no odds )

8. 1. on bad terms

   2. appearing not to correspond or match

      the silvery hair was at odds with her youthful shape

9. to offer a bet with favourable odds

10. to accept such a bet

11. 1. more than is expected, necessary, etc

       he got two pounds over the odds for this job

    2. unfair or excessive

12. informal,  what difference does it make?

Word History and Origins

Origin of odds¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; special use of odd

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at odds, at variance; in disagreement.

   They were usually at odds over political issues.

2. by all odds, in every respect; by far; undoubtedly: Also by long odds, by odds.

   She is by all odds the brightest child in the family.

More idioms and phrases containing odds

• against all odds
• at odds
• by all odds
• lay odds

Example Sentences

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million while the odds of winning a prize overall are 1 in 24.9.

From Los Angeles Times

The comments appear to be at odds with previous statements on the matter, when he has said he should be given the prestigious accolade for his part in ending several conflicts.

From BBC

Those opposed to flaring face long odds in halting the practice, even in rare instances when the Railroad Commission hears objections.

From Salon

Gleeson, whose character tries, against the odds, to breathe life back into local journalism, describes Ned as both earnest and disastrous.

From BBC

But, as expected, armed with experience to potentially upset the odds.

From BBC

Related Words

• likelihood