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Probability: meaning, definitions and examples

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probability

 

[ ˌprɒb.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The likelihood of a particular event or outcome occurring, expressed as a number between 0 and 1, where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 indicates certainty.

Synonyms

chance, likelihood, odds

Examples of usage

  • The probability of rolling a six on a fair six-sided die is 1/6.
  • There is a high probability of rain tomorrow based on the weather forecast.
Context #2 | Noun

statistics

A measure of the likelihood of an event occurring, often used in the context of experiments and surveys.

Synonyms

chance, likelihood, odds

Examples of usage

  • The researchers calculated the probability of the drug being effective at 75%.
  • The probability of winning the lottery is extremely low.
Context #3 | Noun

general

The extent to which something is likely to happen or be true.

Synonyms

chance, likelihood, odds

Examples of usage

  • There is a high probability that she will get the job based on her qualifications.
  • The probability of success increases with careful planning.

Translations

Translations of the word "probability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 probabilidade

🇮🇳 संभाव्यता

🇩🇪 Wahrscheinlichkeit

🇮🇩 probabilitas

🇺🇦 ймовірність

🇵🇱 prawdopodobieństwo

🇯🇵 確率 (kakuritsu)

🇫🇷 probabilité

🇪🇸 probabilidad

🇹🇷 olasılık

🇰🇷 확률 (hwaknyul)

🇸🇦 احتمالية

🇨🇿 pravděpodobnost

🇸🇰 pravdepodobnosť

🇨🇳 概率 (gàilǜ)

🇸🇮 verjetnost

🇮🇸 líkur

🇰🇿 ықтималдық

🇬🇪 სავარაუდოობა (savauradob'a)

🇦🇿 ehtimallıq

🇲🇽 probabilidad

Etymology

The word 'probability' originated in the mid-16th century from the Latin word 'probabilitas', which means 'likelihood'. The concept of probability has been studied for centuries, with contributions from mathematicians, statisticians, and philosophers. It plays a crucial role in various fields such as mathematics, statistics, economics, and science.

See also: improbable.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,171, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.