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probability

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌprɑːbəˈbɪləti/ · UK /ˌprɒbəˈbɪləti/

Forms: probabilities

probability means: How likely something is to happen.

noun

CHANCEB2

How likely something is to happen.

  • There is little probability of snow.
  • Exercise reduces the probability of illness.
  • In all probability, they will arrive tomorrow.

How to use it: probability of something/doing something (There is a high probability of rain.); probability that… (The probability that we will win is low.)

Similar words: chance, likelihood

Common phrases: high probability, probability of something, in all probability

NUMERICAL CHANCEB2

A number from zero to one showing how likely an event is to happen.

  • The probability is zero.
  • Each outcome has a probability of 0.25.
  • We calculated the probability of choosing a red card.

How to use it: probability of something/doing something (The probability of rolling a six is one sixth.)

Common phrases: calculate a probability, probability of something, zero probability

STUDY OF CHANCEC1

The area of mathematics that studies how likely events are to happen.

  • We study probability at school.
  • She teaches probability and statistics.
  • Our probability course covers random events and their outcomes.

Common phrases: study probability, probability and statistics, probability theory

Questions about probability

What does probability mean?

How likely something is to happen.

What is probability in other languages?

Türkçe: olasılık · Español: probabilidad · Français: probabilité · Deutsch: Wahrscheinlichkeit · Italiano: probabilità · 日本語: 可能性

How do you pronounce probability?

In American English /ˌprɑːbəˈbɪləti/; in British English /ˌprɒbəˈbɪləti/.

How do you use probability in a sentence?

There is little probability of snow. Exercise reduces the probability of illness.

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