more likely than not

/mɔːr ˈlaɪkli ðæn nɒt/
phraseIntermediate probably true or will happen
⚖️Law
formal

A phrase indicating that something is probably true or will happen, often used in legal or formal contexts to suggest a high probability without absolute certainty.

The judge ruled that the plaintiff is more likely than not to succeed on the merits of the case.

This means the judge believes the plaintiff has a strong chance of winning the case based on the evidence presented.

The weather forecast indicates that it is more likely than not to rain tomorrow.

This suggests a high probability of rain, though not absolute certainty.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in legal settings to describe a standard of proof that is less than 'beyond a reasonable doubt' but more than a mere possibility.

Collocations

more likely than not toused to indicate a probable outcome or state

Related Phrases

beyond a reasonable doubtphrase
a higher standard of proof in legal contexts
preponderance of the evidencephrase
a standard of proof requiring more than 50% likelihood

💡Pro Tip

Legal Context

This phrase is often used in legal settings to describe a standard of proof that is less than 'beyond a reasonable doubt' but more than a mere possibility.

Gold Rule

Probability vs. Certainty

Use this phrase to indicate a high probability without absolute certainty, especially in formal or legal contexts.

📖Word Origin

This phrase is a legal and formal expression derived from common English usage to describe probability without absolute certainty.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in legal, financial, and formal contexts to convey a strong but not absolute likelihood. It is less common in casual conversation.

Word Breakdown

more
greater in amount or degree
adverb
+
likely
probable or expected
adjective
+
than
used for comparison
conjunction
+
not
negation
adverb
English Dictionary