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Sofi H
Does "as like as not" means probably? Google translator says that "as like as not" means probably but my dictionary says that "as likely as not" means probably. Please could you help me? Thanks in advance
Feb 21, 2020 4:44 AM
Answers · 3
1
I've only heard 'as like as not' on the rare occasion. The common form I hear and read all the time is 'as likely as not' (likely, not like) 'as likely as not' *can* mean just a 50-50 chance, but this isn't the usual use of the expression in my part of the English speaking world. Where I am, 'as likely as not' almost always means 'probably' or 'very probably'. (ie always more than 50% probability) Example. "I'll as likely as not be at the party" spoken here means I'll likely/probably be at the party. I think I'll be there ... but I'm not certain.
February 21, 2020
"As like as not" suggests roughly even odds between two possible outcomes; neither one is more likely than the other one.
February 21, 2020
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