|
| odds [ odz ] |
plural noun |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. chances of something happening: the likelihood or probability that something will occur, sometimes expressed as a ratio such as 10 to 1
  The odds are that you'll never make it.
|
2. predicted chances in betting: a ratio of probability given to people placing a bet, usually the likelihood of something happening, or of a competitor, team, or animal winning
The horse was given odds of four to one.
|
3. handicap or advantage in competition: an advantage or handicap given to a person, animal, or team in a sporting contest, to equalize the chances of winning
|
4. perceived advantage or disadvantage: a perceived advantage or disadvantage, especially one that one person is believed to have over another in a competition
|
| [Early 16th century. Plural of odd] |
|
at odds (with somebody) in disagreement with somebody, especially over a period of time or about a particular issue
|
at odds (with something) in conflict with something
|
over the odds more than is usual or necessary
|
what's the odds? U.K. used to indicate that something is of no importance
|
|
