How to pronounce probability
Say it like prah-buh-BIL-uh-tee. Probability has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BIL).
- prah
- buh
- BIL
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Probability pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of probability
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: prob-uh-BIL-ih-tee.
What does probability mean?
- The state of being probable.
- An event that is likely to occur.
- The relative likelihood of an event happening.
Where does probability come from?
From Middle French probabilité, from Latin probābilitās (“probability, credibility”), from probābilis (“probable, credible”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- likelihood
- likeliness
- probableness
- probality
- chance
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with probability
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of probability.
- responsibility
- possibility
- utility
- availability
- capability
- mobility
- flexibility
- reliability
- fertility
- hostility
Questions about saying probability
How do you pronounce probability?
Say prah-buh-BIL-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˌprɑbəˈbɪləˌti/. In British English it is /ˌprɒbəˈbɪlɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in probability?
Probability has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BIL). Broken into parts: prah · buh · BIL · uh · tee.
Is probability pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌprɒbəˈbɪlɪti/ (prob-uh-BIL-ih-tee).