Probability

Definition

Probability refers to the measure of the likelihood that an event will occur. It is quantified as a number between 0 and 1, inclusive, where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 indicates certainty.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌprɑbəˈbɪlɪti/
• Respelling: PRAHB-uh-BIL-i-tee (with "PRAHB" as in "cot," "uh" as in "but," "BIL" as in "bill," and "i-tee" as in "committee")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌprɒbəˈbɪlɪti/
• Respelling: PROB-uh-BIL-i-tee (with "PROB" as in "cot," "uh" as in "but," "BIL" as in "bill," and "i-tee" as in "committee")

In both dialects, "probability" is pronounced with the primary stress on the third syllable, "BIL." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "BIL" part.

Etymology

The term "probability" stems from the Latin "probabilitas," which means "provable", related to "probabilis" which signifies "approvable." Its modern sense developed in reference to the mathematical study of chances and likelihoods.

Derivatives

• Probable
• Improbable
• Probabilistic
• Probabilistically
• Probabilism

Synonyms

• Likelihood
• Chance
• Odds

Antonyms

• Improbability
• Unlikelihood
• Impossibility

Usage

Probability plays a central role in various fields, notably in statistics, mathematics, science, and finance. It provides a mathematical framework for modeling uncertainty and making predictions based on incomplete information.

Related Terms

• Probability Distribution
• Conditional Probability
• Probability Theory

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Measure of Likelihood: A quantitative representation of the chance of an event happening, ranging from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain).
• Example: The probability of drawing an ace from a deck of cards is 4/52.

• General Possibility or Likelihood: The quality or state of being probable; the extent to which something is likely to happen.
• Example: There's a high probability that it will rain tomorrow.