probability
gb/pɹˌɑbəbˈɪləti/ us/pɹˌɑbəbˈɪləti/
B1
Engels
~ 5100
Betekenissen
0 betekenissen
Zelfstandig naamwoord
B1
quantity
1
how likely something is
How likely it is that something will happen.
Gebruikspatroon:
the probability of [something] / the probability that [clause]
Veelgemaakte fout:
Learners often say *"the probability to happen"* instead of *"the probability of [something] happening"* or *"the probability that [something] will happen"*. They also sometimes confuse *probability* with *possibility*: *possibility* only means something can happen, while *probability* talks about how likely it is.
Synoniemen
likelihood (Very close in meaning and register; common in both everyday and formal use.)
|
chance (More informal and flexible; often used in conversation instead of 'probability'.)
|
odds (Informal and often used when comparing how likely something is, especially in speech and gambling contexts.)
Antoniemen
impossibility (Emphasizes that something cannot happen at all, corresponding to zero probability.)
|
certainty (Emphasizes that something will definitely happen, corresponding to maximum probability.)
Woordcombinaties
high probability
|low probability
|the probability of
|a strong probability
|estimate the probability
|reduce the probability
Thema's
science
|daily life
|math
|core_vocabulary
Voorbeelden
- There is a high probability of rain this afternoon.
- The probability that both flights are delayed is quite low.
- Wearing a seat belt reduces the probability of serious injury in an accident.
- Scientists are trying to estimate the probability of another large earthquake in the region.
- Given his experience, the probability of him getting the job is very strong.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- There is a low probability of snow tonight.
- The probability that she will be late is small.
- Exercise can reduce the probability of heart disease.
- What is the probability of winning this game?
Zelfstandig naamwoord
technical
B2
quantity
2
mathematical measure of likelihood
In math and statistics, a number that shows how likely an event is, usually between 0 and 1 or 0% and 100%.
Gebruikspatroon:
the probability that [clause] is [number] / the probability of [event] is [number]
Veelgemaakte fout:
Learners may confuse the general idea of *probability* with the exact numerical value used in statistics. In technical contexts, *probability* often needs a number (e.g., 0.25), not just 'high' or 'low'. They may also incorrectly say *"0.5 of probability"* instead of *"a probability of 0.5"*.
Synoniemen
statistical likelihood (Highlights that the likelihood is expressed in numerical, statistical terms.)
|
probability value (Technical term for the actual number representing probability.)
Antoniemen
impossibility (Represents a probability of 0, meaning the event cannot occur.)
|
certainty (Represents a probability of 1 (or 100%), meaning the event must occur.)
Woordcombinaties
probability theory
|probability distribution
|conditional probability
|joint probability
|calculate the probability
|probability model
Thema's
math
|science
|statistics
Voorbeelden
- In this experiment, the probability of getting heads is 0.5.
- The probability that a randomly chosen person is left-handed is about 10%.
- According to the model, the probability of system failure is less than 0.01.
- We used a probability distribution to describe the variation in daily sales.
- Students are learning about conditional probability in their statistics course.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- In a fair coin toss, the probability of heads is 0.5.
- The teacher asked us to find the probability of drawing a red card.
- They used data to calculate the probability of success for the new drug.
- In statistics class, we study probability and random events.
Zelfstandig naamwoord
B2
event
3
likely event or outcome
One possible result or situation that you think about together with how likely it is.
Gebruikspatroon:
a/an [adjective] probability that [clause] / consider all the probabilities
Veelgemaakte fout:
Learners sometimes use *possibilities* when speakers would prefer *probabilities* to stress how likely each outcome is. They may also overuse the uncountable form and avoid the countable plural, saying *"think about probability"* instead of *"think about all the probabilities"* when comparing different possible outcomes.
Synoniemen
possibility (Focuses more on something that can happen; *probability* implies stronger thinking about how likely it is.)
|
prospect (Often used for future events, especially in business or personal life, and can carry emotional or evaluative meaning.)
Antoniemen
certainty (Opposes the idea of several possible outcomes by suggesting only one definite outcome.)
Woordcombinaties
a strong probability
|a distinct probability
|all the probabilities
|consider the probabilities
|several probabilities
Thema's
planning
|risk
|business
|core_vocabulary
Voorbeelden
- We need to think through all the probabilities before we make a decision.
- There is a distinct probability that the project will be delayed.
- Several probabilities were discussed at the meeting, including a complete change of strategy.
- The most worrying probability is that we might lose our biggest client.
- They considered different probabilities and chose the safest option.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- The boss talked about different probabilities for next year.
- There is a strong probability that the meeting will move to Friday.
- We looked at all the probabilities and chose the best plan.
- One probability is that the price will go up.
Grammatica
Lemmavorm
probability
IPA
GB/pɹˌɑbəbˈɪləti/
US/pɹˌɑbəbˈɪləti/
Lettergrepen en klemtoon
prob - ab - il - ity (4 lettergrepen)
Stress on 3rd syllable (il)
Woordvormen
Noun
- Base: probability
- Plural: probabilities, probability
Woordfamilie
Forms
probabilities
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
probabilistic
adjective C1
probabilistically
adverb
Uitdrukkingen
in all probability
1/ˈɪn ˈɔl pɹˌɑbəbˈɪləti/
idiom
almost certainly, very likely
used to say that something will almost certainly happen or is almost certainly true.
Voorbeelden
- In all probability, the match will be canceled because of the storm.
- She will, in all probability, be promoted by the end of the year.
- In all probability, they have already left the city.
the probability is that
1/ðə pɹˌɑbəbˈɪləti ˈɪz ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
it is most likely that
used to introduce what you think is the most likely thing to happen or be true.
Voorbeelden
- The probability is that sales will slow down after the holidays.
- The probability is that he will arrive late because of the traffic.
- The probability is that the company will accept our offer.