probability
probability — noun
1. the degree to which a particular event or situation is expected to happen, cover
the degree to which a particular event or situation is expected to happen, covering both informal judgments of chance and exact mathematical values expressed as fractions or percentages.
There is a high probability of rain this afternoon, so Kian took his umbrella to work.
collocation: high probability of + noun
Scientists calculated the probability that the asteroid would hit Earth as extremely low.
probability that + clause
The probability of rolling a six on a standard die is one in six.
The test results show a strong probability that the treatment will work for most patients.
- likelihood
very similar meaning; likelihood is slightly less formal and less mathematical
- chance
more informal; 'chance' often suggests a less precise, more everyday estimate
- odds
used especially in betting; 'odds' are usually given as ratios (e.g. 5 to 1), not percentages
- improbability
direct opposite; low probability
- unlikelihood
less common; suggests something is not expected to happen
文法句型
probability of + noun/gerund
probability that + clause
用法筆記
This sense covers two related ideas: (a) a general, non-numerical idea of likelihood ('there's a good probability she'll come'), and (b) a precise mathematical value used in statistics, gambling, and science ('the probability of heads is 0.5'). For the mathematical meaning, the value is always expressed as a number between 0 and 1 (or 0% to 100%).
常見錯誤
2. used in the fixed phrase 'the probability is that' to say that something is almo
used in the fixed phrase 'the probability is that' to say that something is almost certain to happen or be the case, without giving a precise numerical value.
The probability is that the meeting will be postponed until next Tuesday.
fixed phrase: the probability is that + clause
Given the amount of snow that has fallen, the probability is that schools will be closed.
The probability is that we will finish the bridge by the end of the year if the weather holds.
The probability is that the factory will hire more workers once orders pick up.
- the chances are that
more informal; used in everyday conversation
- it is likely that
slightly weaker than 'the probability is that'; less emphatic
- it is unlikely that
the opposite prediction
文法句型
the probability is that + subject + verb
probability is that + subject + verb
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used with the definite article ('the') in the opening phrase 'the probability is that'. It is a fixed expression used to state a confident prediction. Unlike sense 1, this sense does not take 'of': you do NOT say 'the probability is of rain'.
常見錯誤
3. a specific thing, event, or result that is expected or likely to happen.
a specific thing, event, or result that is expected or likely to happen.
A peace agreement between the two countries is a real probability this year.
countable: a + adjective + probability
With their two best players injured, defeat is a strong probability in the next match.
countable: is a + adjective + probability
The doctor listed several possible outcomes, but full recovery was the most likely probability.
Further delays are a distinct probability now that funding has been cut.
- prospect
similar meaning but often used in plural ('prospects for peace'); slightly more formal
- likelihood
usually uncountable; less natural in 'X is a likelihood'
- possibility
wider range; a possibility is less certain than a probability
- improbability
can also be countable: 'a complete improbability'
文法句型
a probability
strong probability
real probability
用法筆記
This sense is countable — you can say 'a probability' or 'probabilities' (plural). It names a concrete possibility, not just an abstract level of chance. Compare: 'The probability of rain is 80%' (sense 1 — a number) vs. 'Rain is a probability' (sense 3 — a likely event).