Definitions
- Referring to a high probability of something happening. - Talking about a situation where something is expected or anticipated. - Describing a person's disposition or inclination towards a certain behavior or action.
- Referring to something that can happen or exist. - Talking about a situation that is within the realm of feasibility or capability. - Describing a hypothetical scenario or outcome that could occur.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the potential for something to happen or exist.
- 2Both words are used to express uncertainty or lack of certainty.
- 3Both words can be used in hypothetical or speculative contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Probability: Likely implies a higher degree of probability than possible.
- 2Expectation: Likely suggests an expectation or anticipation of something happening, while possible does not.
- 3Certainty: Possible can be used to express a range of possibilities, from remote to highly probable, while likely implies a greater degree of certainty.
- 4Usage: Possible is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts than likely.
- 5Connotation: Likely can have a positive connotation, suggesting a desirable outcome, while possible can have a neutral or negative connotation, suggesting uncertainty or doubt.
Remember this!
Likely and possible are synonyms that both express the potential for something to happen or exist. However, likely implies a higher degree of probability and expectation, while possible is more versatile and can be used to express a range of possibilities. Possible can also have a neutral or negative connotation, while likely can have a positive connotation.
