Likelihood vs Probability
The terms likelihood and probability are often confused, as they seem to denote the same meaning. However, they are distinct words with different meanings. Likelihood refers to possibility, while probability refers to chance. This article will explain the meanings of probability and likelihood in mathematics as well.
What does Probability mean?
Probability refers to chance and describes something that is likely to happen. In mathematics, probability measures how likely an event is to occur, calculated using the total number of chances and the number of chances the desired outcome can occur. For example, when flipping a coin, there are two possible outcomes: Heads or Tails. The probability of landing either Heads or Tails is ½.
The word probability has an adverbial form, probably, and an adjectival form, probable. It is often followed by the preposition “of.”
What does Likelihood mean?
Likelihood refers to possibility and indicates how much possibility there is for something to happen. In mathematics, likelihood refers to a function that is considered weaker than probability. For example, consider a spinner divided into eight equal parts, with four parts numbered 3, two parts numbered 1, one part numbered 4, and one part numbered 5. The probability of landing on number 3 is higher, while the likelihood of landing on numbers 4 or 5 is very low.
The word likelihood has an adverbial form, likely, and an adjectival form, like. When used as an adjective, “like” is typically used in hyphenated words, such as “like-minded.” It is often followed by the preposition “of.”
Key Takeaways
- Likelihood refers to possibility, while probability refers to chance.
- Probability in mathematics measures the chance of an event occurring, while likelihood in mathematics is a weaker function that indicates a lower chance of occurrence.
- Both terms are often followed by the preposition “of,” but they have different adjectival and adverbial forms.
