Unlikelier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unlikelier
[ʌnˈlaɪkliər ]
Definition
comparative degree
The term 'unlikelier' refers to something that is less likely to happen or occur in comparison to something else. It is used to emphasize the diminished probability of an event or situation. This word is commonly used when discussing expectations or possibilities. In various contexts, it can be useful for making distinctions in levels of likelihood, often in analytical or hypothetical discussions.
Synonyms
less likely, more improbable, unanticipated.
Examples of usage
- She is unlikelier to succeed in this project than her colleagues.
- With the weather conditions, it seems unlikelier that the event will take place.
- He is unlikelier to vote this year compared to last year.
- The team's chances of winning are unlikelier after the recent injuries.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often fall victim to the ‘optimism bias’, believing positive outcomes are more likely than they actually are, hence making unlikely events seem likelier.
- In decision-making, individuals may underestimate the probability of rare events due to a phenomenon known as 'availability heuristic'—where past experiences weigh more heavily in our minds.
- Studies suggest that when presenting scenarios, framing something as 'unlikely' can alter individuals' perceptions of risk and choice.
Statistics
- In probability theory, events that are deemed 'unlikely' often occur with a low probability, represented numerically as fractions or percentages.
- The concept of 'unlikelihood' is essential in fields like insurance and finance, where rare events like defaults are calculated to estimate risk.
- In sports statistics, an athlete achieving a record-breaking performance is termed 'unlikelier' if the historical data shows few instances of such feats.
Literature
- Authors often use 'unlikelier' characters to create tension and drama, as unexpected outcomes can lead to more engaging narratives.
- In classic literature, characters facing 'unlikelier' challenges often portray deeper themes of perseverance and resilience, highlighting the human spirit.
- In poetry, juxtaposing 'likelier' with 'unlikelier' allows poets to explore contrasting emotions and situations, enriching the text's impact.
Pop Culture
- In movies, 'unlikelier' scenarios often become fan favorites, such as the underdog winning against all odds, resonating with audiences' desires to see the unexpected.
- Reality TV shows frequently exploit 'unlikelier' situations to create dramatic narratives, keeping viewers engaged with surprising twists.
- In video games, players may experience 'unlikelier' power-ups or bonuses that can change the game's outcome unexpectedly, enhancing excitement and strategy.
Origin of 'unlikelier'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'unlikelier' combines 'unlikely', which comes from the Old English 'unlic', meaning 'not like' or 'not similar'.
- The prefix 'un-' negates the word, transforming the meaning to express a lower chance of occurrence.
- ‘Likely’ has roots in the Middle English word 'likeli', which indicated something that is probable or has a good chance.
The word 'unlikelier' is derived from the base word 'likely,' which originates from the Old Norse word 'līkr,' meaning 'like' or 'similar.' Over time, 'likely' was adopted into Middle English as 'likely' in the late 14th century, meaning 'probably' or 'having a high probability.' The prefix 'un-' is a common negative prefix in English, used to indicate negation or the opposite of a word's meaning. The comparative form 'unlikelier' follows the rules of forming comparatives in English by adding the suffix '-er' to the root word. This word gained popularity in the 20th century with the rise of statistical language in analysis and discourse.