probability
probability — 名詞
1. the degree to which a particular event or situation is expected to happen, cover
可能性；機率
事件可能發生的程度，含日常判斷與數學數值
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.
今天下午很可能會下雨，所以 Kian 帶了傘去上班。
collocation: high probability of + noun
Scientists calculated the probability that the asteroid would hit Earth as extremely low.
科學家計算出那顆小行星撞擊地球的機率極低。
probability that + clause
The probability of rolling a six on a standard die is one in six.
在標準骰子上擲出六點的機率是六分之一。
The test results show a strong probability that the treatment will work for most patients.
測試結果顯示該療法對大多數患者有效的可能性很高。
- 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
很可能
用於固定句型，表示某事幾乎確定會發生
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.
會議很可能會延到下週二舉行。
fixed phrase: the probability is that + clause
Given the amount of snow that has fallen, the probability is that schools will be closed.
考量到目前的積雪量，學校很可能會停課。
The probability is that we will finish the bridge by the end of the year if the weather holds.
如果天氣狀況穩定，我們很可能在年底前完成那座橋。
The probability is that the factory will hire more workers once orders pick up.
那家工廠很可能會在訂單增加後雇用更多員工。
- 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.
可能的事
預期會發生的具體事件或結果
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.
今年兩國之間達成和平協議確實有可能。
countable: a + adjective + probability
With their two best players injured, defeat is a strong probability in the next match.
由於兩名主力球員受傷，下一場比賽輸球的可能性很大。
countable: is a + adjective + probability
The doctor listed several possible outcomes, but full recovery was the most likely probability.
醫生列出了幾種可能的結果，但完全康復是最有可能的狀況。
Further delays are a distinct probability now that funding has been cut.
如今資金被砍，進一步的延誤顯然是很有可能發生的事。
- 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).