odds
UK[ɒdz]US[ɑːdz]
n
the probability that a particular thing will or will not happen
n
(usually 'the odds') difficulties or disadvantages that make a situation seem unlikely to succeed
n
(in betting) the ratio between the amounts staked by the parties to a bet, based on the expected probability of the outcome
Etymology
the modern word 'odds' originates from the middle english term 'odde', which itself came from old norse 'oddi', meaning a triangle or a point of land, and by extension, an odd number (the third and uneven one). the conceptual link from a 'point' or 'triangle' to 'uneven' and then to 'difference' is key. by the late 16th century, the plural form 'odds' evolved to signify an unequal balance, a difference in advantage, or a state of being at variance. this sense of inequality naturally extended into the language of probability and betting, where it denotes the ratio expressing the likelihood of one outcome against another, thus connecting an ancient idea of unevenness to a modern abstract mathematical concept.
Analysis
the word 'odds' is a simplex form. it is a plural noun derived from the middle english 'odde', meaning 'odd number', 'strange', or 'left over'. its functional role is as a complete lexical unit.
Examples
the odds of winning the lottery are extremely low.
they overcame tremendous odds to build a successful business.
the bookmaker offered odds of five to one on the underdog.