Probability

/ˌprɒbəˈbɪləti/ noun

Definition

The chance that something will happen, usually described with numbers between 0 (impossible) and 1 or 100% (certain). It is a way to measure how likely an event is.

Etymology

From Latin *probabilitas* meaning 'likelihood' or 'credibility', from *probabilis* 'provable, likely'. It entered English through French, becoming a mathematical term over time.

Kelly Says

Probability turns uncertainty into numbers, but our brains still think in stories. People fear flying more than driving even though the probability of a crash is lower, because stories of plane crashes are more vivid. Learning probability is partly learning when your intuition is lying to you.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.