probability

/probability/
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probability

A student calculates the probability of rolling a six on a die.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The quality or state of being probable; likelihood: "Probability" refers to the chance or likelihood that a particular event will happen.
    • A probable or most probable event: "Probability" can also refer to the event or outcome that is most likely to occur.
    • (Mathematics) A numerical measure of likelihood: In mathematics and statistics, "probability" is a number between 0 and 1 expressing the ratio of favorable outcomes to all possible outcomes in a defined situation.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The probability of rain tomorrow is high. (The likelihood that it will rain tomorrow is great.)
    • In all probability, the meeting will be postponed. (It is very likely that the meeting will be postponed.)
    • The probability of drawing an ace from a standard deck is 1/13. (The mathematical chance of selecting an ace is one in thirteen.)
Advanced Usage
  • "in all probability": very likely, almost certainly.
    • In all probability, the project will be completed on schedule.
  • "balance of probability": (in law) the standard of proof which must be met for a fact to be considered more likely true than not.
    • The case was decided on the balance of probability.
Variants and Related Words
  • Probable (adj): likely to happen or be the case.
    • Rain is probable this afternoon.
  • Probabilistic (adj): of, relating to, or based on probability.
    • The model makes probabilistic predictions.
  • Probabilistically (adv): in a way that involves probability.
    • The system was designed to function probabilistically.
Synonyms
  • Likelihood: The chance of something happening.
  • Odds: The ratio of the probability of an event happening to it not happening.
  • Chance: The occurrence of events without an apparent cause; luck, or a possibility.
Related Phrases
  • Probability theory: The branch of mathematics concerned with probability.
    • She studied probability theory in her statistics course.
  • Probability distribution: (Statistics) A function that gives the probabilities of occurrence of different possible outcomes.
    • The normal curve is a common probability distribution.
Idioms
  • Against all probability: Contrary to what seems likely.
    • Against all probability, the underdog team won the championship.
probability

A student calculates the probability of rolling a six on a die.

Noun
  1. the quality of being probable; a probable event or the most probable event
    • for a while mutiny seemed a probability
    • going by past experience there was a high probability that the visitors were lost
  2. a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur; a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible
    • the probability that an unbiased coin will fall with the head up is 0.5