Verborus

EN RU Dictionary

probability

вероятность Primary Russian translation

Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'probability'

English Word: probability

Key Russian Translations:

  • вероятность /vʲɪrɐˈjatnəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, used in scientific, mathematical, and general contexts]

Frequency: High (commonly encountered in everyday language, especially in news, science, and education)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and abstract concepts, but not overly complex for learners at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вероятность: /vʲɪrɐˈjatnəsʲtʲ/

Note on вероятность: The stress falls on the third syllable ("yat"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 't' sound. Pronounce it with a soft, rolling 'r' at the beginning.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The likelihood of an event occurring, often in scientific, mathematical, or probabilistic contexts.
Translation(s) & Context:
  • вероятность - Used in formal discussions of chances, such as in weather forecasts, statistics, or risk assessment.
Usage Examples:
  • Вероятность дождя сегодня составляет 80%.

    The probability of rain today is 80%.

  • В науке вероятность событий расчитывается с помощью формул.

    In science, the probability of events is calculated using formulas.

  • Высокая вероятность успеха мотивирует инвесторов.

    A high probability of success motivates investors.

  • Вероятность случайного совпадения очень мала.

    The probability of a random coincidence is very low.

  • В повседневной жизни мы оцениваем вероятность различных исходов.

    In everyday life, we assess the probability of various outcomes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Вероятность" is a feminine noun in the third declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

Case Singular Plural
Nominative вероятность вероятности
Genitive вероятности вероятностей
Dative вероятности вероятностям
Accusative вероятность вероятности
Instrumental вероятностью вероятностями
Prepositional вероятности вероятностях

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

  • Synonyms: шанс (chance; more informal, implying opportunity), возможность (possibility; broader, less quantitative)
  • Antonyms: невозможность (impossibility; used when something cannot occur)

Related Phrases:

  • Вероятностная теория - Probability theory (a mathematical field dealing with statistical likelihoods)
  • Высокая вероятность - High probability (used in risk assessment or predictions)
  • Рассчитать вероятность - To calculate probability (common in scientific contexts)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "вероятность" directly corresponds to the English "probability" in formal and technical contexts, such as mathematics or science. It is a feminine noun, so it must agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying words (e.g., adjectives like "высокая вероятность"). Use it in formal settings; for everyday conversation, "шанс" might be more natural. When choosing between translations, opt for "вероятность" for precise, quantifiable scenarios, and avoid it in purely hypothetical situations where "возможность" fits better.

Common Errors:

  • Error: Confusing "вероятность" with "возможность" and using it interchangeably. For example, saying "Вероятность пойти в кино" when meaning a general option, not a calculated chance.

    Correct: Use "возможность" for possibilities without probability (e.g., "Возможность пойти в кино"). Explanation: "Вероятность" implies a measurable likelihood, while "возможность" means feasibility.

  • Error: Incorrect declension, such as using the nominative form in all cases (e.g., "о вероятность" instead of "о вероятности").

    Correct: Always decline properly based on case (e.g., "о вероятности" in prepositional case). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree grammatically, and failing to do so can make sentences sound unnatural or incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "вероятность" is frequently discussed in contexts like weather reports, economic forecasts, or even literature, reflecting a societal emphasis on planning and risk management. For instance, in Russian media, probability is often tied to historical events, such as the probabilities in military strategies during World War II, highlighting its role in analytical thinking.

Related Concepts:

  • статистика (statistics)
  • риск (risk)
  • событие (event, in probabilistic terms)