Literary notes about likelihood (AI summary)
The term "likelihood" has been used in literature with remarkable flexibility, functioning as both a measure of probability and a marker for near certainty. In many narrative works, such as those by Montgomery [1] and Jane Austen [2] or even in the strategic discourse of Sunzi [3], the word is employed to imply that an event is expected to occur, whether it pertains to personal fortunes or military maneuvers. In more analytical contexts, writers like Hans Gross [4] and John Dewey [5] invoke "likelihood" to underscore a systematic or empirical basis for predictions, suggesting that outcomes—however remote—are not entirely incidental. Even in classic dramatic exchanges, as seen in Shakespeare’s works [6, 7], "likelihood" is used to convey varying degrees of probability, thus underscoring the inevitable interplay between chance and human agency throughout literature.
- But it was a comfort to feel that she had not, in all likelihood, ruined his life.
— from Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery - There was no recovering Miss Taylor—nor much likelihood of ceasing to pity her; but a few weeks brought some alleviation to Mr. Woodhouse.
— from Emma by Jane Austen - Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success.
— from The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi - For by means of this knowledge we may be able to see the likelihood of many a thing that might have otherwise seemed improbable.
— from Criminal Psychology: A Manual for Judges, Practitioners, and Students by Hans Gross - The likelihood that it will rain is, however, something suggested .
— from How We Think by John Dewey - what likelihood?
— from Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare - Let this be so, and doubt not but success Will fashion the event in better shape Than I can lay it down in likelihood.
— from Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare
