Probability vs. Likelihood

[Gamma Ray]

Hello, my wonderful community!

I wonder what is the difference between probability and likelihood. These two words have exactly the same meaning. How we can use them correctly?

Grateful for your responses in advance.

[5jj]

I wonder what is the difference between probability and likelihood. These two words have exactly the same meaning. How we can use them correctly?[/SIZE]

Probability seems slightly more 'scientific', likelihood less formal. That's a personal response, not based on any research.

[birdeen's call]

Probability and likelihood are related but different concepts in mathematics. Have a look at Likelihood function - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[mara_ce]

Some useful collocations:

Probability

ADJ. high, real, strong, greater, increased, low
e.g.: There´s a high probability that it will snow tonight.

QUANT. degree
e.g.: We can say with a high degree of probability that the poem was written by Shakespeare.

VERB + PROBABILITY have, increase, reduce, assess, calculate, judge

Likelihood

ADJ. every, greater, increased, real, strong
e.g.: There´s every likelihood that she´ll be able to help us.

VERB + LIKELIHOOD decrease, minimize, reduce, increase, maximize, raise, affect
e.g.: Taking regular exercise reduces the likelihood of a heart attack.

LIKELIHOOD + VERB grow, diminish

Source: Oxford Collocations Dictionary.

[Barb_D]

Outside of a mathematical context, I don't differentiate them at all, and I use "likely" and "probable" without any shades of difference in meaning as well.