Possible vs. Probable: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 26, 2023
"Possible" refers to something that can happen or be true, regardless of its likelihood, while "probable" suggests a higher likelihood or expectation of occurrence.
Key Differences
The word "possible" indicates that something can happen or be true without necessarily being likely; it's about capability or potentiality. "Probable," however, leans towards a likelihood or high chance of something happening. It's about expectation based on evidence or reasoning.
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Dec 26, 2023
While both terms deal with the likelihood of events, "possible" covers a broader range, including events with minimal chances of happening. "Probable" is used for situations where evidence or experience suggests a stronger likelihood of occurrence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
In everyday language, "possible" is often used to acknowledge that something could occur, while "probable" is used when there is reason to believe that it will likely occur. This distinction is important in fields like risk assessment and forecasting.
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Dec 26, 2023
In statistics, "possible" events are all events within the realm of outcomes, regardless of their probability. "Probable" events are those with a significant probability, indicating a greater expectation of them happening.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
In philosophy and logic, "possible" relates to anything that is not self-contradictory or against the laws of nature. "Probable" suggests a judgment or conclusion based on evidence or reasoning that supports the likelihood of an event or statement.
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Dec 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Can occur or be true, no implication of likelihood
Likely to occur or be true based on evidence
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Dec 26, 2023
Degree of Certainty
Low to none; merely capable of occurring
High; based on evidence or likelihood
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Dec 26, 2023
Usage in Language
Used for any conceivable scenario
Used when evidence suggests likelihood
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Dec 26, 2023
Statistical Context
Includes all potential outcomes
Focuses on outcomes with significant probability
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Dec 26, 2023
Real-world Example
Winning a lottery is possible
Rain is probable given dark clouds
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Dec 26, 2023
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Possible and Probable Definitions
Probable
Greater likelihood of occurrence.
A cold is probable during winter.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Able to be done or achieved.
Climbing Mount Everest is possible with the right training.
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
Likely to happen or be the case.
It's probable that it will rain tomorrow.
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Possible
Existing in potential; conceivable.
It's possible that aliens exist in the universe.
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Dec 13, 2023
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Probable
Supported by evidence or reasoning.
It's probable that she will win the election.
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Possible
Within the power or capacity of someone.
Solving this puzzle is possible for her.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Open to consideration; feasible.
A trip to Mars is possible in the future.
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
Likely to happen or to be true
War seemed probable in 1938. The home team, far ahead, is the probable winner.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Capable of happening, existing, or being true without contradicting proven facts, laws, or circumstances
Is it possible to move faster than the speed of light?.
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Possible
Capable of becoming or of being made to be so; potential
Possible suspects in the case.
A possible site for the new capital.
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
(Theology) Of or relating to opinions and actions in ethics and morals for whose lawfulness intrinsic reasons or extrinsic authority may be adduced.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Capable of occurring or being done in accordance with something specified. Used with the superlative
You'll get the best possible care at this hospital.
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
Likely or most likely to be true.
It's probable that it will rain tomorrow.
The probable source of the failure was the mass of feathers in the intake manifold.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Capable of happening but of uncertain likelihood
It is possible that you might feel some discomfort after the procedure.
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
Likely to happen.
With all the support we have, success is looking probable.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Able but not certain to happen; neither inevitable nor impossible.
Rain tomorrow is possible, but I wouldn't bet on it.
It's not just possible, it's probable that there will be rain tomorrow.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
(comparable) Capable of being done or achieved; feasible.
It's possible for anyone to learn to pay the bagpipes.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Being considered, e.g. for a position.
Jones and Smith are both possible for the opening in sales.
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
Having more evidence for than against; supported by evidence which inclines the mind to believe, but leaves some room for doubt; likely.
That is accounted probable which has better arguments producible for it than can be brought against it.
I do not say that the principles of religion are merely probable; I have before asserted them to be morally certain.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
A possible choice, notably someone being considered for a position.
Jones is a possible for the new opening in sales.
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
Rendering probable; supporting, or giving ground for, belief, but not demonstrating; as, probable evidence; probable presumption.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Capable of existing or occurring, or of being conceived or thought of; able to happen; capable of being done; not contrary to the nature of things; - sometimes used to express extreme improbability; barely able to be, or to come to pass; as, possibly he is honest, as it is possible that Judas meant no wrong.
With God all things are possible.
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
Likely but not certain to be or become true or real;
A likely result
He foresaw a probable loss
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Probable
Apparently destined;
The probable consequences of going ahead with the scheme
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Dec 13, 2023
Probable
Seeming to be true or real.
It's probable that he missed the train.
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Capable of happening or existing;
A breakthrough may be possible next year
Anything is possible
Warned of possible consequences
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Dec 13, 2023
Possible
Existing in possibility;
A potential problem
Possible uses of nuclear power
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Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "probable" and "possible" be used interchangeably?
No, "probable" implies a higher likelihood than "possible."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is everything probable also possible?
Yes, if something is probable, it is also possible.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
What does "probable" mean?
It suggests a higher likelihood or expectation that something will happen or be true.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is everything possible also probable?
No, not all possible things are probable.
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Dec 26, 2023
How is "possible" used in philosophy?
It's used to discuss concepts and scenarios that are not logically impossible.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
What does "possible" mean?
It refers to something that can happen or be true, without implying how likely it is.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
How is "probable" used in statistics?
It refers to events with a significant likelihood based on statistical analysis.
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Dec 26, 2023
How does context affect the use of "possible" and "probable"?
"Possible" is used in a general sense, while "probable" is used when there's evidence to support the likelihood.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Are there degrees of probability?
Yes, probability can range from slightly probable to almost certain.
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Dec 26, 2023
Does "possible" imply success in an endeavor?
No, it only indicates that success can occur, not that it will.
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Dec 26, 2023
How does probability influence decision-making?
High probability can lead to decisions based on the expected outcome.
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Dec 26, 2023
How does new information affect what's possible or probable?
New information can change what's considered possible or probable.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are there degrees of possibility?
Yes, something can range from barely possible to highly possible.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can a hypothesis be both possible and probable?
Yes, if it's conceivable and has strong supporting evidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is "probable" a subjective term?
It can be, as it often depends on personal assessment of evidence.
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Dec 26, 2023
Does "probable" guarantee an outcome?
No, but it indicates a strong likelihood of that outcome.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Does "possible" always mean something is likely?
No, "possible" does not comment on likelihood.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Can something be impossible yet probable?
No, if something is impossible, it cannot be probable.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Can "probable" be quantified?
Yes, in many fields like statistics, probability is often quantified.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can "possible" be used in legal contexts?
Yes, to discuss outcomes that are legally permissible.
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Dec 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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