Definitions
- Describing something that is unlikely to happen or occur. - Referring to a situation or event that is not expected to take place. - Talking about a possibility that is not very likely to come true.
- Referring to something that is uncertain or questionable. - Describing a situation or event that is not confirmed or verified. - Talking about a possibility that is not very likely to be true.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words express uncertainty or lack of confidence.
- 2Both words suggest a low probability or likelihood of something happening.
- 3Both words can be used to describe situations, events, or possibilities.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree of certainty: Improbable suggests a lower chance of something happening than doubtful.
- 2Emphasis: Improbable emphasizes the unlikelihood of something happening, while doubtful emphasizes the uncertainty or lack of confirmation.
- 3Connotation: Improbable has a neutral connotation, while doubtful can have a negative connotation.
- 4Usage: Improbable is more commonly used in formal contexts, while doubtful is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Remember this!
Improbable and doubtful are synonyms that express uncertainty or lack of confidence. However, improbable suggests a lower chance of something happening than doubtful, which emphasizes the uncertainty or lack of confirmation. While improbable has a neutral connotation and is more commonly used in formal contexts, doubtful is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
