Ebatõenäoline

ebatõenäoline is an Estonian word that translates to "unlikely" or "improbable" in English. It is used to describe events, situations, or outcomes that have a low probability of occurring. The word is formed by combining the prefix "e-" which negates the following word, with the adjective "tõenäoline" meaning "likely" or "probable". Therefore, "ebatõenäoline" literally means "not likely".

This term can be applied in various contexts, from everyday conversations about chances of something happening to more formal discussions in science, statistics, or philosophy where probability is a key factor. For example, one might say it is ebatõenäoline that it will rain today if the forecast is clear, or that a specific scientific hypothesis is ebatõenäoline if there is a lack of supporting evidence.

The concept of unlikeliness is fundamental to understanding risk assessment, decision-making under uncertainty, and the interpretation of statistical data. In Estonian grammar, ebatõenäoline functions as an adjective and can be declined according to the grammatical case, number, and gender of the noun it modifies. Its antonym is tõenäoline.