definition of odds from Oxford Dictionaries Online


	Email Cite Text size: A A Print options: Example sentences Synonyms Categories odds (odds) Syllabification: On Off Entry from World dictionary Pronunciation:/ɒdz/ plural noun the ratio between the amounts staked by the parties to a bet, based on the expected probability either way:Nicer is starting at odds of* 8-1* it is possible for the race to be won at very long odds (usually the odds) the chances or likelihood of something happening or being the case:the odds are that he is no longer alive the odds against this ever happening are high (usually the odds) the balance of advantage; superiority in strength, power , or resources:she clung to the lead against all the odds the odds were overwhelmingly in favour of the banks rather than the customer Phrases at odds in conflict or at variance:his behaviour is at odds with* the interests of the company* by all odds North American certainly it makes no odds informal , chiefly British it does not matter[from an earlier use of odds in the sense ‘difference in advantage or effect’] lay (or give) odds offer a bet with odds favourable to the other better be very sure about something:I'd lay odds that the person responsible is an insider over the odds British above what is generally considered acceptable, especially for a price:you could be paying over the odds for perfume take odds offer a bet with odds unfavourable to the other better what's the odds? informal what does it matter?[from an earlier sense of odds; compare with it makes no odds] Origin: early 16th century: apparently the plural of the obsolete noun odd ‘odd number or odd person’ quantitative relation between two amounts showing number of times one value contains or is contained within other View entry quantity of something, especially total of thing or things in number View entry gamble on outcome of game or race View entry social gathering of invited guests, typically involving eating and entertainment View entry act of betting sum of money View entry use something specified as foundation or starting point for something View entry regard something as likely to happen View entry quality or state of being probable View entry whichever of two given alternatives is case View entry giving pleasure or satisfaction View entry begin or be reckoned from particular point in time or space View entry able to be done or achieved View entry be successful or victorious in View entry possibility of something happening View entry state or fact of something's being likely View entry take place View entry be View entry for long time View entry living, not dead View entry condition or circumstance that puts one in favourable or superior position View entry state of being superior View entry in large numbers View entry stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets View entry hold on tightly to View entry very great in amount View entry to be replaced by View entry to certain or significant extent or degree View entry person who buys goods or services from shop or business View entry serious disagreement or argument, typically protracted one View entry fact or quality of being different or inconsistent View entry way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others View entry advantage or benefit of person or group View entry used to emphasize speaker's belief that what is said is true View entry be important or significant View entry present or proffer something for someone to accept or reject as desired View entry expressing approval View entry to be desired or approved of View entry used for emphasis View entry completely confident that one is right View entry having obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part View entry person within group or organization, especially someone privy to information unavailable to others View entry at higher level or layer View entry able to be agreed on View entry amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something View entry seal with pitch or tar to prevent leakage View entry fragrant liquid typically made from essential oils extracted from flowers and spices, used to give pleasant smell View entry expressing or showing lack of approval or support View entry ratio between amounts staked by parties to bet View entry chances or likelihood of something happening or being case View entry superiority in strength or resources View entry in conflict or at variance View entry certainly View entry offer bet with odds favorable to other bettor View entry be very sure about something View entry offer bet with odds unfavorable to other bettor View entry Meaning abstraction » measure » number » ratio » probability » odds Subject Activities and interests » Games » Gambling Click any link to see words in that category Meaning abstraction » measure » number » ratio » probability » odds Click any link to see words in that category Meaning state » situation Click any link to see words in that category Subject Activities and interests » Games » Gambling Click any link to see words in that category Subject Activities and interests » Games » Gambling Click any link to see words in that category		More words in this category against back book doublet jackpot kitty¹ load martingale mutuel parlay pokie pool² poolroom punter rouge et noir skin game skinner SP thimblerig two-up