probability
C1Formal, Academic, Technical, General
Definition
Meaning
A measure of how likely it is that a particular event will occur; something that is likely to happen.
In mathematics, the ratio of the number of ways a specific event can occur to the total number of equally likely outcomes. More broadly, the appearance of truth or likelihood of a proposition or theory.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used with quantifiers (e.g., 'high', 'low', 'strong'). Implies a degree of uncertainty, unlike 'certainty' or 'inevitability'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. UK English is slightly more likely to use the plural 'probabilities' in historical or philosophical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both; heavily associated with mathematics, statistics, and logical reasoning.
Frequency
High and identical frequency in both academic and general contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the probability of (doing) somethingthere is a (high) probability that...probability (that)...probability (of something happening)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in all probability”
- “the balance of probabilities”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in risk assessment, forecasting, and project planning (e.g., 'The probability of the project finishing on time is low.').
Academic
Core concept in statistics, mathematics, physics, and philosophy (e.g., 'The study calculated the probability of a null hypothesis.').
Everyday
Used to express likelihood of everyday events (e.g., 'There's a high probability of rain later.').
Technical
Precise mathematical definition with axioms and calculations (e.g., 'The probability density function was plotted.').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They will probabilise the outcomes based on the new data.
American English
- The model probabilizes different climate scenarios.
adverb
British English
- He will most probably arrive after lunch.
American English
- She probably forgot to send the email.
adjective
British English
- The probable cause of the delay is the strike.
American English
- A probable outcome is a slight increase in rates.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The probability of snow tomorrow is low.
- What is the probability you will come to the party?
- There's a strong probability that the meeting will be cancelled.
- Scientists measure the probability of an earthquake occurring.
- The statistical probability of winning the lottery is incredibly small.
- In all probability, the negotiations will extend into next week.
- Bayesian probability allows us to update our beliefs based on new evidence.
- The prosecutor must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, not on the balance of probabilities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PROBability helps you PROBe the ABILITY of something to happen.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBABILITY IS A MEASURABLE SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'high/low probability'), PROBABILITY IS A PATH (e.g., 'the odds are stacked against you').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'вероятность' for all contexts. In mathematical or scientific English, 'probability' is the precise term; in everyday speech, 'chance' or 'likelihood' might be more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'probability' as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'There is high probability' instead of 'There is a high probability').
- Confusing 'probability' (mathematical likelihood) with 'possibility' (mere chance of occurrence).
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what does 'on the balance of probabilities' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Probability' refers to how likely something is to happen, often expressed numerically. 'Possibility' simply states that something could happen, regardless of how likely.
Yes, 'probabilities' is used when referring to multiple distinct likelihoods (e.g., 'The various probabilities were calculated.') or in historical/philosophical contexts.
It is an idiom meaning 'very likely' or 'almost certainly'.
No. While it is a core technical term in maths and science, it is widely used in everyday language to express likelihood (e.g., 'the probability of rain').
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