likelighet

Likelighet is a Norwegian noun that denotes the quality or degree of similarity between two or more things. It is used when comparing objects, descriptions, or concepts to describe how closely they resemble one another. The term focuses on likeness rather than measurement of difference.

Etymology and relation: The word is formed from the adjective lik ("like, similar") and the suffix -lighet, which marks a state or condition. It is closely related to likhet (similarity), and in some texts likelighet is encountered as an older or stylistic variant.

Usage in probability versus similarity: In contemporary Norwegian, the standard term for probability or likelihood is sannsynlighet. Consequently, likelighet is rarely used to denote numeric likelihood in statistics. When it appears outside mathematics, it more often signals resemblance or plausibility in a qualitative sense, such as the likelighet between two theories, descriptions, or cultural forms.

Prescriptive notes: Some dictionaries classify likelighet as archaic or regional. In modern writing, likhet is preferred for discussions of similarity or sameness, while sannsynlighet is used for probability; likelighet is mainly historical or stylistic.

See also: likhet, sannsynlighet.