Change vs. Chance: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 26, 2023
Change refers to making or becoming different, a transition or transformation in state or form, whereas chance denotes a possibility or likelihood of something happening, often related to luck or probability.
Key Differences
Change signifies a process of becoming different, whether in context, appearance, or structure, suggesting a departure from a previous state. Chance, in contrast, refers to the occurrence of events in the absence of any deliberate intention or cause, often hinging on random factors.
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Dec 26, 2023
Change can be deliberate, like altering one's habits, or involuntary, like the change of seasons. Chance, however, implies a degree of unpredictability and randomness, like winning a lottery, which is not influenced by deliberate action.
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Dec 26, 2023
The concept of change is central in various fields, from personal development to scientific theories, highlighting transitions and evolutions. In contrast, chance is a fundamental concept in probability and statistics, dealing with the likelihood of various outcomes.
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Dec 26, 2023
Change often requires action or an event to occur, reflecting a shift from one state to another. Chance, on the other hand, is inherently uncertain, representing the potential for different outcomes to occur, often outside of human control.
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Dec 26, 2023
In everyday language, change is used to describe alterations in conditions, feelings, or situations. Chance is frequently associated with opportunities or risks, the possibility of something happening without certainty.
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Dec 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of becoming different.
The possibility of something happening.
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Nature
Can be intentional or unintentional.
Involves randomness or unpredictability.
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Usage in Language
Often implies transformation or shift.
Frequently associated with luck or risk.
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Role in Decision
Often involves choice or action.
May occur without human influence.
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Examples
Change in weather, changing a job.
Chance of rain, taking a chance in a game.
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Dec 26, 2023
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Change and Chance Definitions
Chance
The occurrence of events in the absence of any deliberate design.
By chance, she met her old friend in the city.
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Change
To undergo a transformation.
The caterpillar will change into a butterfly.
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Chance
The possibility of something happening.
There is a high chance of rain tomorrow.
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Change
To exchange one thing for another.
Can you change this dollar bill for quarters?
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Dec 26, 2023
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Chance
An opportunity or possibility.
He took a chance and applied for the job.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform
The new homeowners changed the yard into a garden.
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Chance
The unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause.
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Change
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
Anne and I changed seats so that she could sit next to the aisle.
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Chance
A force assumed to cause events that cannot be foreseen or controlled; luck
Chance will determine the outcome.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
Change one's name.
A light that changes colors.
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Chance
Often chances The likelihood of something happening; possibility or probability
Chances are good that you will win. Is there any chance of rain?.
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Change
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch
Change methods.
Change sides.
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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).
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Change
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another
In Chicago, we'll have to change planes.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To become different or undergo alteration
He changed as he matured. The town grew and changed over the years.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(Baseball) An opportunity to make a putout or an assist that counts as an error if unsuccessful.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To undergo transformation or transition
The music changed to a slow waltz.
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Chance
Caused by or ascribable to chance; unexpected, random, or casual
A chance encounter.
A chance result.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To take the risk or hazard of
We thought we could jump over the puddle, but we were not willing to chance it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To make an exchange; switch
If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
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Oct 19, 2023
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).
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To transfer from one conveyance to another
She changed in Detroit on her way to California.
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Oct 19, 2023
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).
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To put on other clothing
We changed for dinner. They changed into work clothes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(countable) An opportunity or possibility.
We had the chance to meet the president last week.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(uncountable) Random occurrence; luck.
Why leave it to chance when a few simple steps will secure the desired outcome?
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying
A change in facial expression.
A last-minute change in the schedule.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
(countable) The probability of something happening.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain tomorrow.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution
A change of atmosphere.
A change of ownership.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another
The change of seasons.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
A different or fresh set of clothing
I brought along a change of shirts to the overnight party.
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Oct 19, 2023
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?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To happen by chance, to occur.
It chanced that I found a solution the very next day.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To discover something by chance.
He chanced upon a kindly stranger who showed him the way.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
(intransitive) To become something different.
The tadpole changed into a frog.
Stock prices are constantly changing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
The operation or activity of such agent.
By chance a priest came down that way.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
(transitive) To replace.
Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.
After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
(transitive) To replace the clothing of (the one wearing it).
It's your turn to change the baby.
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Oct 19, 2023
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?
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
To take the chances of; to venture upon; - usually with it as object.
Come what will, I will chance it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).
To change a horse
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
The process of becoming different.
The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.
Can I get change for this $100 bill please?
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
A possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances;
The holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington
Now is your chance
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
(countable) A transfer between vehicles.
The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.
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Oct 19, 2023
Chance
Take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;
When you buy these stocks you are gambling
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better.
For I am Lord, I change not.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty change (R.V. changes) of garments.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
A relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;
He attributed the change to their marriage
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
The action of changing something;
The change of government had no impact on the economy
His change on abortion cost him the election
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
A thing that is different;
He inspected several changes before selecting one
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
A different or fresh set of clothes;
She brought a change in her overnight bag
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
Coins of small denomination regarded collectively;
He had a pocketful of change
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Change
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Change
Change clothes; put on different clothes;
Change before you go to the opera
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
Give to, and receive from, one another;
Would you change places with me?
We have been exchanging letters for a year
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
Change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;
She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
Become deeper in tone;
His voice began to change when he was 12 years old
Her voice deepened when she whispered the password
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
Remove or replace the coverings of;
Father had to learn how to change the baby
After each guest we changed the bed linens
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Oct 19, 2023
Change
To alter in form, appearance, or character.
Fashion styles change rapidly.
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Dec 26, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can change be reversed?
Some changes can be reversed, while others are permanent.
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Dec 26, 2023
Does chance always involve luck?
Often, but chance can also refer to general possibilities.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is change always voluntary?
No, change can be either voluntary or involuntary.
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Dec 26, 2023
How does change affect our lives?
Change can lead to new experiences and personal growth.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is taking a chance always risky?
Taking a chance often involves some level of risk.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is change important in nature?
Yes, change is a natural and essential part of ecosystems.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are changes always noticeable?
Some changes are subtle and may not be immediately noticeable.
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Dec 26, 2023
Do people always welcome change?
Acceptance of change varies widely among individuals.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is taking a chance necessary for success?
Sometimes success requires taking chances, but it varies with the situation.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can chance be calculated?
Yes, in many cases, the probability of chance events can be calculated.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is chance the same as fate?
No, chance is random, while fate implies a predetermined outcome.
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Dec 26, 2023
How do people typically react to change?
Reactions to change can range from resistance to embrace.
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Dec 26, 2023
Does chance play a role in scientific experiments?
Chance can influence experimental outcomes and is often accounted for in analysis.
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Dec 26, 2023
What causes change in society?
Social change can be caused by cultural, economic, or political factors.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can change be predicted?
Some changes can be anticipated, but others cannot.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can we rely on chance?
Relying on chance is generally unpredictable and uncertain.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can change be both good and bad?
Yes, change can have both positive and negative effects.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can chance lead to unexpected opportunities?
Yes, chance can sometimes open up unforeseen possibilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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