Probability vs Possibility
Probability and possibility are commonly confused terms due to their similar meanings. However, there are key differences between them. Probability is primarily used in statistical calculations, referring to the likelihood of something occurring. Possibility, on the other hand, is used in the sense of “can” and relates to the capability of something taking place or being done.
Key Takeaways
- Probability indicates the extent to which an event is likely to occur, while possibility refers to the capability of an event taking place.
- Possibility is the universal set, and probability is the subset.
- Probability is a theory, whereas possibility is a happening.
What is Probability?
Probability refers to the likelihood of something happening and indicates the extent to which an event is likely to occur. It is usually measured by the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of possible cases. In this sense, probability is a subset of possibility. For example, in an election, the probability of each candidate’s winning is calculated through systematic and statistical analysis. Probability involves the application of permutations and combinations to arrive at a conclusion regarding the occurrence of an event among all possibilities.
What is Possibility?
Possibility refers to the capability of taking place or being done and is widely used in everyday conversations. For example, when asking if there is a possibility for someone to attend a session on a specific day, the speaker is inquiring about the listener’s capacity to be present for that event. In this case, the term probability would not be used. Possibility is considered the universal set, while probability is the subset. Possibility is more likely to occur than probability. One main difference between the two terms is that while a thing that may exist or happen is called possibility, the occurrence of an event out of all sorts of possibilities is called probability. Probability is a theory, whereas possibility is a happening. Happenings must combine together to make a probability a possibility. In other words, probability relies on the availability of possibilities.
Difference Between Probability and Possibility
- A thing that may exist or happen is called a possibility, whereas the occurrence of an event out of all sorts of possibility is called probability.
- Probability indicates the extent to which an event is likely to occur.
- Possibility is the universal set, whereas probability is the subset.
- Possibility is more likely to occur than probability.
- Possibility has its opposite in the word “impossibility,” whereas probability has its opposite in the word “improbability.”
- Probability is a theory, whereas possibility is a happening.
- Happenings must combine together to make a probability a possibility.
