Probabilistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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probabilistic

[หŒprษ’b.ษ™หˆbษชl.ษชs.tษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

statistics

Relating to or based on the theory of probability; likely to happen or be true

Synonyms

chance, likely, random, uncertain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
probabilistic

Used in scientific or mathematical contexts to describe something based on or involving probability. Often found in technical reports, research papers, or any formal analysis involving statistics.

  • The probabilistic model predicts the outcome with high accuracy.
  • The study uses a probabilistic approach to estimate future risks.
likely

Often used to describe something that is expected to happen or is probable, especially when the probability is relatively high. It is suitable for both casual and formal settings.

  • It is likely that she will accept the job offer.
  • The team is likely to win the championship.
chance

Commonly used in casual conversation to describe the likelihood of something happening. It can also imply randomness or lack of control over an outcome.

  • There's a good chance it will rain tomorrow.
  • Winning the lottery is a matter of sheer chance.
random

Used to describe an event that happens without a predictable pattern or cause. It is often employed in casual conversations or in scientific and technical contexts involving statistics.

  • The numbers were selected at random.
  • The random assignment of participants ensured unbiased results.
uncertain

Used to describe situations where outcomes are not clearly known or predictable. It often carries a sense of doubt or lack of confidence.

  • The future of the project is uncertain.
  • He felt uncertain about the results of the experiment.

Examples of usage

  • The probabilistic model takes into account all possible outcomes.
  • Her decision was probabilistic, considering all the factors involved.
  • In probabilistic terms, the chances of winning are quite high.
  • The study of probabilistic events is essential in statistics.
  • The probabilistic nature of the experiment makes the results unpredictable.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Probabilistic models are essential in fields like meteorology to predict weather patterns based on likelihood rather than certainties.
  • In quantum physics, the behavior of particles is often described in probabilistic terms, reflecting the inherent unpredictability of nature.

Technology

  • Artificial intelligence uses probabilistic algorithms to make decisions, weighing different possible outcomes before arriving at a conclusion.
  • In cybersecurity, probabilistic methods help assess the risks of potential attacks by estimating the likelihood of various threat vectors.

Psychology

  • Behavioral economics suggests that people often misjudge probabilities, leading to common biases in decision-making.
  • The idea of risk perception in psychology examines how individuals assess potential dangers based on their probabilistic understanding.

Literature

  • Many authors explore themes of chance and fate, reflecting probabilistic concepts through charactersโ€™ decisions and outcomes.
  • The randomness of life and the role of luck can be depicted in storytelling, illustrating how chance affects narratives.

Origin of 'probabilistic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'probabilis', meaning 'provable' or 'likely'.
  • It was first used in English during the late 19th century, indicating a shift in focus towards chance and statistics in scientific discussions.

The term 'probabilistic' originated in the late 18th century from the word 'probability', which in turn comes from the Latin 'probabilitas' meaning 'likelihood'. The concept of probability has been studied for centuries, with significant contributions from mathematicians and statisticians. The use of probabilistic models has become essential in various fields such as statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.


See also: improbability, probabilities.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,386, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.