Likeliness vs. Likelihood: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Likeliness" and "likelihood" both refer to the state or fact of something being likely or probable, but "likelihood" is more commonly used in contemporary English, especially in formal and statistical contexts.
Difference Between Likeliness and Likelihood
"Likeliness" and "likelihood" function as nouns and pertain to the probability or chance of something occurring. Both words communicate a sense of something being likely or probable, and in a general sense, can often be used interchangeably in casual communication. However, distinctions exist, particularly when it comes to conventional usage and the contexts within which each word is commonly applied.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
The term "likeliness" is indeed correct and may be utilized to denote the quality of being likely or probable. It’s not incorrect to use “likeliness”, but it is somewhat less common in modern English, especially in formal or academic writing. While "likeliness" is understood, its use can sometimes be perceived as less precise or less formal than "likelihood" in certain contexts, although it is perfectly acceptable in everyday language.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
In contrast, "likelihood" is broadly used in various contexts, including in formal, academic, and statistical communication, to discuss the probability of a certain event or outcome. This term has somewhat more formal and established connotations and is generally preferred in scientific and statistical contexts. "Likelihood" often appears in discussions and analyses that require a degree of precision and formality, ensuring that the communicated message is received with a sense of authority and accuracy.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
"Likeliness" might appear in more informal conversations, narratives, or casual writings, where the speaker or writer wishes to convey a sense of probability without necessarily adhering to the formality or precision that "likelihood" might imply. It’s worth noting that while “likeliness” is less formal, it is not informal and can be used in various contexts where a sense of possibility or probability needs to be communicated.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Conversely, "likelihood" would more commonly feature in research papers, reports, analyses, and formal communications, providing a sense of statistical or probabilistic evaluation. When deciding between these two words, considering the audience, context, and desired connotation can guide the selection, ensuring that communication is both effective and appropriate.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Likeliness vs. Likelihood Comparison Chart
Application in Text
Found in casual discussions
Found in formal, statistical discussions
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
Likeliness vs. Likelihood Definitions
◉Likeliness
A measure of the possibility of an event occurring.
There is a high likeliness of precipitation tomorrow.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likelihood
A statistical measure of probability.
The likelihood function helps in estimating parameters.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likeliness
The character of being inclined to happen.
The likeliness of a positive outcome was apparent.
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likelihood
The state of being likely to happen.
The likelihood of achieving our goal is high.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likeliness
The quality of being probable.
The likeliness of the event happening is high.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likelihood
The chance of something happening.
The likelihood of rain today is 80%.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likeliness
The state of being likely or probable.
The likeliness of success made him confident.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likelihood
The quality of being probable or possible.
The likelihood of a rate hike has increased.
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likeliness
The tendency or disposition to occur.
Weather reports indicate the likeliness of storms.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Likeliness
Likelihood, probability or chance of occurrence; plausibility or believability.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Likelihood
The probability of a specified outcome; the chance of something happening; probability; the state or degree of being probable.
In all likelihood the meeting will be cancelled.
The likelihood is that the inflation rate will continue to rise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Likelihood
The probability that some fixed outcome was generated by a random distribution with a specific parameter.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Likelihood
Appearance; show; sign; expression.
What of his heart perceive you in his faceBy any likelihood he showed to-day ?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Likelihood
Likeness; resemblance.
There is no likelihood between pure light and black darkness, or between righteousness and reprobation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Likelihood
Statistical probability; probability of being true or of occurring in the future; as, the likelihood of being abducted by aliens is close to zero..
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Likeliness vs. Likelihood Frequently Asked Questions
Can likeliness and likelihood be used interchangeably?
In many instances, yes, but likelihood is preferred in formal and statistical contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is likelihood more formal than likeliness?
Yes, likelihood is generally considered more formal than likeliness.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is likeliness used in formal writing?
Likeliness is less common in formal writing compared to likelihood.
Jonathan
Sep 30, 2023
Is likelihood a statistical term?
Yes, likelihood is often used in statistical contexts to discuss probability.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Do likeliness and likelihood have the same meaning?
Essentially yes, both pertain to the probability or chance of something happening.
Nolan
Sep 30, 2023
In what contexts is likeliness commonly used?
Likeliness may be used in casual or informal discussions about probability.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
In what contexts is likelihood commonly used?
Likelihood is commonly used in formal, academic, and statistical contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is it wrong to use likeliness in statistical discussions?
It’s not wrong but likelihood is the conventionally preferred term in statistical discussions.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
What is a simple synonym for likelihood?
A simple synonym for likelihood could be "probability".
Levi
Sep 30, 2023
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Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
