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more likely than not
/mɔːr ˈlaɪkli ðæn nɒt/
probably true or will happen
In legal contexts, the evidence suggests that the defendant is more likely than not guilty.
This phrase indicates a high probability of something being true, often used in legal or formal discussions.
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
Antonyms
Related Phrases
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
adverblikely
probable or expected
adjectivethan
used for comparison
conjunctionnot
negation
adverbEnglish Dictionary