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Old 02-May-2005, 17:32
smartjj
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Default Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?

Is there any difference of the magnitudes represented by these words? I often hear people saying 'It's possible, but not probable' or things alike. Can someone explain? Thank you very much!
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Old 03-May-2005, 10:19
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Default Re: Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?

It's possible- not very likely >50%
It's likely/probable <70%

These percentages are just to give an idea.

It's likely to rain- take an umbrella
It's possible that it will rain- take a gamble and leave the umbrella.
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Old 14-Jun-2009, 11:55
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Default Re: Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?

I would also like to know if we can use 'possibility' in expressions like "there is evey possibility that she is given a job" or we must say "every likelihood" instead. Is it a collocation?

Thank you.
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Old 14-Jun-2009, 13:54
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Default Re: Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?

Here are some examples of there is evey possibility that:

http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp...dman032803.htm
There is every possibility that this war will lead to greater incidents of terrorism and greater possibility for the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

BBC NEWS | Technology | Home PCs hijacked to spread spam
Even if you use anti-virus software but do not keep it up to date, there is every possibility that you are helping to keep spam alive and spreading.

BBC SPORT | CRICKET | Calling time on chucking
Quite simply, there is every possibility that no bowler will ever be called for chucking again in a Test match.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/...in_denver.html
And while there are "no plans" for Obama to appear in the convention hall tonight, there is every possibility that he will make a surprise appearance onstage.

I hope this helps.
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Old 14-Jun-2009, 18:48
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Default Re: Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?

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Originally Posted by annikki View Post
I would also like to know if we can use 'possibility' in expressions like "there is evey possibility that she is given a job" or we must say "every likelihood" instead. Is it a collocation?

Thank you.
Yes, you can use 'possibility' here, but in either case you'd have to say:
"There is every possibility that she will be given a job".
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