likelihood
Meaning
Likelihood refers to the probability or chance that a particular event will occur, often quantified in statistical terms; it encompasses both subjective assessments and objective measurements, reflecting the degree of certainty associated with potential o
💡 It is important to distinguish likelihood from certainty; while likelihood suggests a measurable probability, it does not imply inevitability. Common misuse includes conflating likelihood with certainty or using it interchangeably with "possibility," which denotes a broader and less quantifiable range of outcomes.
Example Sentences
Word in Context
Before
leaving
the
apartment
,
Maria
checked
the
weather
forecast
and
tried
to
assess
the
likelihood
of
rain
during
her
commute
.
Because
the
forecast
showed
only
a
slight
chance
,
she
weighed
the
inconvenience
of
carrying
an
umbrella
against
the
comfort
it
would
provide
if
the
sky
darkened
.
Noting
recent
delays
on
her
usual
route
,
she
decided
to
take
a
slightly
longer
but
more
reliable
path
to
ensure
punctuality
.
If
the
rain
did
start
,
she
planned
to
use
a
caf
é
near
her
office
as
a
temporary
shelter
and
to
adjust
her
schedule
rather
than
rush
through
wet
streets
.
By
preparing
a
small
contingency
and
remaining
flexible
,
she
felt
confident
she
could
handle
whatever
the
morning
brought
.
Common Phrases
high likelihood
likelihood of occurrence
likelihood ratio
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Words
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