probability

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The state of being probable.

   For, a man may with as great probability derive the Scots pedigree from the Gods, as from Scota that ſuppoſed and counterfeit daughter of the Ægyptian King Pharao, wedded (forſooth) unto Gaithelus, the ſonne of Cecrops founder of Athens. But, as this conceit ariſing from the unskilfulneſſe of Antiquitie, is of the better ſort of ingenuous Scots rejected: […]

2. 2
   noun

   An event that is likely to occur.

   These waters wash from the rocks such glistering tinctures, that the ground in some places seemeth as guilded, that better iudgements then ours might haue been perswaded, they contained more then probabilities.

3. 3
   noun

   The relative likelihood of an event happening.

   Hoyle said that the probability of life originating on Earth is no greater than the chance that a hurricane, sweeping through a scrapyard, would have the luck to assemble a Boeing 747.

4. 4
   noun

   A number, between 0 and 1, expressing the precise likelihood of an event happening.

   The probability of an event A occurring is denoted P(A).

5. 5
   noun

   the quality of being probable

6. 6
   noun

   a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur

Etymology

From Middle French probabilité, from Latin probābilitās (“probability, credibility”), from probābilis (“probable, credible”).