Maybe/Might vs Probably
Can someone help me with differentiating the difference between "Maybe/Might" and "Probably" in terms of confidence.
Maybe/Might = >0% something will occur
Probably = It is likely something will occur
Why does saying "probably" imply more confidence than "maybe/might" if both imply that something will possibly occur?
Context:
Person A is hosting a party, and invited Person B, but Person B has not replied. Person A sees Person B, and asks:
Person A: "Are you coming to my party?"
1) Person B: "Maybe." This introduces a possibility that the person will come. It does not say anything about the measure of the possibility, though.
2) Person B: "Probably." This introduces a high possibility that the person will come. "Probably" also implies "might".
Why is "Maybe" thought of "less probable" than "Probably" if the measure of possibility for "maybe" is unknown? It could be "high possibiligy" as well?
Top answer
Can someone help me with differentiating the difference between "Maybe/Might" and "Probably" in terms of confidence. These are very subjective words. There is no way to assign a constant probability (or even a ranking) that will hold for all people in all conditions.
- Can someone help me with differentiating the difference between "Maybe/Might" and "Probably" in terms of confidence.
- These are very subjective words.
- There is no way to assign a constant probability (or even a ranking) that will hold for all people in all conditions.
- To some people at some time, "maybe" is a white lie.
- They actually mean no, but do not want to offend.
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Can someone help me with differentiating the difference between "Maybe/Might" and "Probably" in terms of confidence.
These are very subjective words. There is no way to assign a constant probability (or even a ranking) that will hold for all people in all conditions.
To some people at some time, "maybe" is a white lie. They actually mean no, b
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