Odds

Definition

Odds generally refer to the likelihood or chances of a particular event occurring, often used in the context of gambling. It can also describe a difference in numerical terms of two quantities.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (usually used in plural)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɑdz/
• Respelling: ODDZ (with "ODD" as in "odd" and "Z" as in "zoo")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɒdz/
• Respelling: ODDZ (similar to American English, with "ODD" as in "odd" and "Z" as in "zoo")

In both dialects, "odds" is a single-syllable word, with the pronunciation straightforwardly focusing on the "ODDZ" sound.

Etymology

The term "odds" is derived from the Old Norse "oddi", which means "a third number", or more generally, "a triangle". By the 16th century, it came to be used in the sense of "amount by which one thing exceeds or falls short of another".

Derivatives

• Odd
• Oddly
• Oddness
• Oddball
• Odds-on

Synonyms

• Probability
• Chance
• Likelihood

Antonyms

• Certainty
• Surety
• Guarantee

Usage

"Odds" are most commonly referred to in the context of gambling to indicate the probability of a specific outcome.

• The odds of winning the lottery are extremely low.
• They overcame overwhelming odds to succeed.
• Bookmakers are offering 5-to-1 odds on the horse.

Related Terms

• Betting
• Gamble
• Stake

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Probability or Likelihood: The ratio between the amount staked by the parties to a bet, based on the expected probability either way.‍
• Example: The odds of it raining tomorrow are quite high.

• Difference in Amounts: The difference in terms of quantity or numbers between two things.‍
• Example: The odds are in favor of the home team because they've won more matches.

• Favorable Conditions or Factors: Conditions or circumstances that increase the likelihood of a particular outcome or event.‍
• Example: The odds are stacked against him given his inexperience.‍