probability UK /ˌpɹɒb.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/US /ˌpɹɑ.bəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ noun4 •The state of being probable.Thus, first Traditions were a proof alone; / Cou’d we be certain such they were so known: / But since some Flaws in long descent may be, / They make not Truth but Probability. — 1682 •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. — 2006 •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). •An event that is likely to occur.As all experience shows, the probabilities are, that you will waste the rich treasure of your affection on one who has none to give in return, or who is wholly unworthy of the gift. — 1837 formsprobabilities
