Meaning & use
probability
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Meanings
nouncountable or uncountable
How likely it is that something will happen, judged from evidence or reasoning and sometimes stated as a figure.
Grammar: Uncountable for the general idea (there is little probability of rain); countable for a particular chance (a high probability).
Patterns
- the probability of something
- the probability that something happens
There is a high probability that the match will be postponed.
The probability of rolling a six on a fair die is one in six.
Doctors explained the probability of a full recovery.
noununcountablemathematics
The branch of mathematics that studies chance and measures how likely outcomes are, usually with values from 0 to 1.
Grammar: Used without an or an: she studies probability and statistics.
Our teacher introduced probability with coin tosses and playing cards.
Insurance companies rely heavily on probability to set prices.
He has a degree in probability theory.
nouncountableformal
Something that is likely to be true or to happen.
Grammar: Often appears in the phrase in all probability, meaning very likely.
Patterns
- in all probability
In all probability, the flight will leave on time.
Rain tomorrow is a strong probability.
The report called the shortage a near probability.
Word forms
| plural | probabilities |
|---|
Common combinations
- high probability
- A high probability of snow kept many drivers at home.
- low probability
- Experts see a low probability of another outbreak.
- in all probability
- In all probability, she will accept the offer.
- calculate the probability
- Students must calculate the probability of drawing a red card.
- probability theory
- Probability theory underlies many forms of data analysis.
- the probability of success
- Careful planning raises the probability of success.
Synonyms and how they differ
- likelihood
- Likelihood is the everyday word for how probable something is, while probability is the more exact term in mathematics.
- chance
- Chance is informal and often refers to one opportunity, whereas probability suggests a measured or reasoned estimate.
- odds
- Odds compare the chance of something happening with the chance of it not happening, usually in betting, rather than giving a single figure.
- prospect
- Prospect looks forward at a possible future event, often one that is hoped for or feared, without any measured estimate.
Opposites
Word family
- probable adjective
- likely to happen or be true
- probably adverb
- most likely
- improbable adjective
- not likely to happen
- improbability noun
- the quality of being unlikely
- probabilistic adjective
- based on probability
Commonly confused: probability or possibility?
probability vs possibility
A possibility is anything that could happen, even if it is unlikely; probability says how likely it is.
Practice
A forecaster says there is a 90 percent ___ of heavy rain tonight. Which word fits best?
Choose one answer.
Probability fits a measured figure such as 90 percent. Possibility only says something could happen, without measuring how likely it is.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “probability”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.