Sandsynlig

Sandsynlig is a Danish adjective meaning likely or probable. It is used to express that something is more likely to be true than not, rather than certain. In noun phrases it precedes the noun, as in en sandsynlig løsning or et sandsynligt udfald, and it can describe outcomes, explanations, or plans.

The adverbial forms are typically sandsynligt or sandsynligvis, used to modify verbs or entire clauses (for example, Det er sandsynligt, at han kommer or Det vil sandsynligvis ske). The corresponding noun is sandsynlighed, meaning probability or likelihood, with plural sandsynligheder. Definite adjective forms follow standard Danish agreement: den sandsynlige løsning, det sandsynlige udfald, de sandsynlige muligheder.

Etymology and related forms: sandsynlig is formed from elements meaning true or believable (historically from Old Danish sann/sandt meaning true) combined with synlig meaning visible or apparent. The word has cognates in Norwegian (sannsynlig) and Swedish (sannolik). The noun sandsynlighed is the abstract concept of probability, used in discussions of risk, statistics, and forecasts.

Usage notes: sandsynlig is common in both formal and informal Danish and often contrasted with usandsynlig (unlikely) or with synonyms such as formodentlig and mulig. It is typically used to express a degree of probability rather than certainty, and writers may adjust the intensity with modifiers or choose alternative terms depending on precision and tone. Examples illustrate everyday and professional contexts, such as forecasts, plans, and evaluations.