Native English Speaker- probability vs Possibility
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I think it depends on how you use the word. If you check the dictionary I think you will find a definition that fits with the way you use it: For example[^]: "a chance that something may happen or be true."
All of those examples treat possibility as a binary thing...it can be possible or not possible. None of them treat it as a gradient or scale, eg that a possibility can be "high". The reason for that is because possibility is not the word to use in this context, probability is.
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During one of my presentation the statement I wrote was " blah......., therefore the possibility of missing the deadline is very high". The whole discussion later was if I Should have used possibility or probability. My argument was that since its more on a gut feeling and guestimate , I used Possibility. IMHO probability should be used if its backed on the solid and valid statistical numbers. Your thoughts?
cheers,
Super
------------------------------------------ Too much of good is bad,mix some evil in it
If a possibility is high, it's a probability, so "the possibility of missing the deadline is very high" means the same as "there's a probability of missing the deadline" (the "high" is implied). A possibility = and option or a chance. A probability = likely to happen; a high possibility.
I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!
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All of those examples treat possibility as a binary thing...it can be possible or not possible. None of them treat it as a gradient or scale, eg that a possibility can be "high". The reason for that is because possibility is not the word to use in this context, probability is.
from link:
The forecast said that there's a possibility of snow tonight
from link:
There's a distinct possibility (that) I'll be asked to give a speech.
Both those examples clearly indicate that the possibility is unknown. i.e. cannot be guaranteed to be either true or false. The first one especially is basically saying: "The forecast said that there's a chance of snow tonight".
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During one of my presentation the statement I wrote was " blah......., therefore the possibility of missing the deadline is very high". The whole discussion later was if I Should have used possibility or probability. My argument was that since its more on a gut feeling and guestimate , I used Possibility. IMHO probability should be used if its backed on the solid and valid statistical numbers. Your thoughts?
cheers,
Super
------------------------------------------ Too much of good is bad,mix some evil in it
Chiming in: Both options are for an unknown outcome. Possibility is for things that most likely will not happen Probability is for things that most like will happen The mathematical/statistical ideas attached to the word probability do not, in this case, apply as both have a probability (0 <=> 100%) but I do not believe I've ever heard possibility used in any sort of mathematical context with a specific meaning. If anyone disagrees with the above, most likely the chances are they are wrong.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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from link:
The forecast said that there's a possibility of snow tonight
from link:
There's a distinct possibility (that) I'll be asked to give a speech.
Both those examples clearly indicate that the possibility is unknown. i.e. cannot be guaranteed to be either true or false. The first one especially is basically saying: "The forecast said that there's a chance of snow tonight".
It's still a binary construct though, and not a scale. Possibility of snow....there will be snow (1), there won't be snow (0). I will have to speak (1), I will not have to speak (0). Neither of those examples indicate a range. The probability of snow is high. The probability of snow is low. The probability of snow is 50-50. The probability of snow is almost certain. The probability of snow is highly unlikely.
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That's the funny part, I was hoping we will be discuss the reason for the delay but I was way wrong.
cheers,
Super
------------------------------------------ Too much of good is bad,mix some evil in it
But it's going to be the best bike shed ever. :laugh:
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, weighing all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
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During one of my presentation the statement I wrote was " blah......., therefore the possibility of missing the deadline is very high". The whole discussion later was if I Should have used possibility or probability. My argument was that since its more on a gut feeling and guestimate , I used Possibility. IMHO probability should be used if its backed on the solid and valid statistical numbers. Your thoughts?
cheers,
Super
------------------------------------------ Too much of good is bad,mix some evil in it
For general English either word is fine. In an academic paper "probability" would be the better choice if you had stats to back it up, as you mentioned.
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It's still a binary construct though, and not a scale. Possibility of snow....there will be snow (1), there won't be snow (0). I will have to speak (1), I will not have to speak (0). Neither of those examples indicate a range. The probability of snow is high. The probability of snow is low. The probability of snow is 50-50. The probability of snow is almost certain. The probability of snow is highly unlikely.
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Well by that logic, then the OP is correct in using possibility: Either they will miss the deadline (1), or they won't miss it (0).
No, because the "possibility" was described as "high" which moves it from a binary construct to a scale.
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No, because the "possibility" was described as "high" which moves it from a binary construct to a scale.
I don't see why that matters.. you are just basically saying "there is a high chance it will be (1) rather than (0)". The fact you are including the likeliness of it happening does not change the fact it either will happen or won't happen (binary). Also, what about these examples[^]?