French word

probabilité

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁobabilite/

Meaning

  • feminine nounprobability

Example

La probabilité de pluie est faible aujourd'hui.

The probability of rain is low today.

Illustration for probabilité (probability)

More examples

Il y a une forte probabilité qu'il pleuve ce soir.

There is a high probability that it will rain tonight.

Core concept

A numerical likelihood scale that places a possible event between near impossibility and near certainty.

Common phrases

  • la probabilité de

    the probability of ___

  • une faible probabilité

    a low probability

  • une forte probabilité

    a high probability

Similar words

chance: The likelihood that a particular event will happen.
possibilité: The possibility that something may happen.
risque: The possibility of a harmful outcome or associated danger.

Definition in French

Mesure numérique de la vraisemblance qu'un événement se produise.

Word origin

The French noun developed from medieval Latin probabilitas, formed from Latin probabilis, meaning likely, with the noun ending -ité.

Usage tips

  • The final -ité in probabilité sounds roughly like ee-tay, unlike the ending of English probability.

Other meanings

  • chancenoun

Opposites

  • improbabilitéimprobabilitynoun
  • certitudecertaintynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word