What is likelihood? Pronunciation and usage in English

likelihood means . Learn how to pronounce and use likelihood through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of likelihood

likelihoodnoun

/ˈlaɪklihʊd//ˈlaɪklihʊd/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "likelihood." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

It's typically divided into three syllables: li-li-hood

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • li: Pronounced like "lee" - as in the letter "L"
  • li: Pronounced like "lee" again - same as above.
  • hood: This is the trickiest part. It’s pronounced like "hüd" (rhymes with “mud” or “understood”). Think of it as a short, quick “h” sound followed by a “üd” sound, with your tongue slightly raised.

3. Combined Pronunciation:

Putting it all together, it sounds something like: “lee-lee-hüd”

4. Tips & Resources:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce likelihood" on Google. It often has audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/likelihood/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce likelihood" - you'll find many videos.

To summarize: lee-lee-hüd

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using "likelihood" so you can hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word likelihood in English

Let's break down how to use the word "likelihood" in English. It's a fascinating word with a precise meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

"Likelihood" refers to the probability or chance that something will happen. It’s essentially a more formal and nuanced way of saying “probability” or "chance." It describes the degree to which something is likely.

2. How to Use It - Different Sentence Structures:

Here’s how you can incorporate "likelihood" into your sentences, with examples:

  • Simple Statement of Probability:

    • “There's a likelihood of rain tomorrow.” (Meaning: It's probably going to rain.)
    • “The likelihood of success is high if we follow the plan.” (Meaning: We have a good chance of succeeding.)
    • “The likelihood of a major earthquake in this region is relatively low.” (Meaning: It’s not very likely.)

  • Describing a Degree of Probability:

    • "The likelihood is quite strong that he will accept our offer." (Strong probability - closer to certain than just 'likely')
    • "The likelihood is moderate – it could happen, but it's not guaranteed." (A balanced chance)
    • "There’s a small likelihood of encountering problems." (A low probability – something isn't very likely at all)

  • Introducing a Discussion About Probability:

    • "Let’s consider the likelihood of different scenarios.” (Starting a conversation about what's possible)
    • "Researchers are studying the likelihood of the disease spreading." (Focusing on the probability aspect of a study)

  • Using it with "of" (Common Construction):

    • "We need to assess the likelihood of the project being completed on time.” (This is a very standard and common way to use it.)
    • “What's the likelihood of finding a solution to this problem?"

3. Synonyms (and when they might be better):

  • Probability: This is often a perfectly acceptable substitute.
  • Chance: Similar to probability.
  • Prospect: Suggests a more positive outcome (e.g., "The likelihood of a promotion is good").
  • Possibility: A broader term, simply indicating something could happen.
  • Odds: (Often used in gambling or games) – “The odds are in our favor.”

4. Key Differences from “Likely”:

  • "Likely" is an adverb – it modifies a verb. It describes how something is happening. ("It is likely to rain.")
  • "Likelihood" is a noun – it refers to the probability itself.

5. Examples in Context:

  • “Based on the data, the likelihood of the patient recovering fully is encouraging.”
  • “The company is evaluating the likelihood of expanding into new markets.”
  • "Considering the evidence, the likelihood of his guilt is increasing."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how "likelihood" is used in a specific context (e.g., statistics, legal writing)?
  • Help you practice using it in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word likelihood

Practice with vocabulary likelihood

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the recent market volatility, the ____________ of achieving our sales targets for the quarter seems rather low.
  2. The research team is studying the ____________ of severe weather events increasing due to climate change.
  3. Despite extensive investigations, there is still no absolute ____________ regarding the cause of the system failure.
  4. There's a slight ____________ that the meeting will be postponed, but we haven't received official confirmation yet.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The project manager emphasized the high ____________ of successful completion if all teams collaborate effectively. a) probability b) certainty c) likelihood d) tendency

  2. What is the ____________ that the proposed policy changes will be implemented within the next fiscal year? (Choose all that apply) a) outlook b) possibility c) likelihood d) fate

  3. The expert report assesses the ____________ of the volcano erupting in the near future. a) certainty b) likelihood c) assurance d) sureness

  4. The research findings indicate a strong ____________ for the rare disease to spread rapidly in unvaccinated populations. a) certainty b) inclination c) potential d) prospect

  5. There's a distinct ____________ of rain this afternoon, so don't forget your umbrella. a) chance b) sureness c) promise d) guarantee

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It is highly probable that the new policy will face significant opposition from the public. Rewrite using "likelihood":

  2. Original: The company's financial report suggests they are unlikely to meet their revenue projections this quarter. Rewrite using "likelihood":

  3. Original: There's a good chance that the international conference will be held in virtual format this year. Rewrite without using "likelihood":

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. likelihood
  2. likelihood
  3. certainty
  4. possibility

Exercise 2:

  1. a) probability, c) likelihood
  2. b) possibility, c) likelihood
  3. b) likelihood
  4. c) potential, d) prospect
  5. a) chance

Exercise 3:

  1. There is a high likelihood that the new policy will face significant opposition from the public.
  2. The likelihood of the company meeting its revenue projections this quarter is low, according to their financial report.
  3. There is a strong possibility that the international conference will be held in virtual format this year.

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