Probability
ˌprɒbəˈbɪləti
Definitions
The likelihood of something happening or being true.
ˌprɒbəˈbɪləti
The extent to which something is likely to happen or be the case.
The probability of success is less than 50%.
💡 Simply: It's like guessing how likely something is to happen. Like, what's the probability of you getting ice cream if you're really good? High, probably!
👶 For kids: How likely something is to happen. Like, the probability of getting a cookie from your mom is high if you help clean your room!
More Examples
We need to assess the probability of various outcomes.
There's a high probability that the event will be canceled due to the weather.
How It's Used
"Probability theory studies the likelihood of events."
"The probability of rain is high today."
"Statistical analysis calculates probabilities."
Idioms & expressions
probability sampling
A sampling technique in which each member of the population has a known probability of being selected.
"Probability sampling ensures each element of the population has a chance of being in the sample."
From Latin *probabilitas*, meaning 'believability, credibility,' from *probabilis* 'provable, credible,' from *probare* 'to test, prove.'
The word 'probability' has been used since the 16th century, initially in philosophical and legal contexts before expanding to mathematics and science.
Memory tip
Think of 'probe-ability' - how able is something to be proven?
Practice
Word Origin
Root: probare