Reading Theme:
Risk Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：possibility of harm (risk)
risk
/rɪsk/
n., v.
The chance that something bad or unpleasant might happen.
possibility of harm
➕
/ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti əv hɑːm/
n., v.
The chance that something undesirable or dangerous might occur.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Old Italian 'risco' (danger) and Latin 'risicare' (to dare).
💡 Mnemonic
Sounds like 'wrist' - imagine a risky move that might break your wrist.
📖 Example
Starting a new business always involves some risk, but it can also lead to great rewards.
Starting a new business always involves some risk, but it can also lead to great rewards.
🔗 Collocations
take a risk – do something despite the possibility of harm
high risk – great degree of danger
risk factor – something that increases the likelihood of harm
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
From Italian 'risco' (danger) and French 'risque', 'risk' entered English in the 17th century. It became a key concept in insurance, finance, and everyday decision-making.
Meaning 2：take a chance (risk)
risk
/rɪsk/
n., v.
To do something that might have a bad or unpleasant outcome.
take a chance
➕
/teɪk ə tʃɑːns/
n., v.
To do something that might cause harm or loss, in the hope of a positive outcome.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He didn't want to risk being late for the meeting, so he left home an hour early.
He didn't want to risk being late for the meeting, so he left home an hour early.
🔗 Collocations
risk failure – take the chance of failing
risk your life – expose yourself to danger of death
risk losing something – possibility of losing something valuable
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
risk-taker (n.) – a person who is willing to take risks
risk-free (adj.) – involving no risk
Wordbook
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