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Glite Dictionary
chance variable

chance variable

7.9
A number that takes different values by chance in statistics to show random results
  • noun
  • /tʃæns ˈvɛrɪbəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : variable aleatoria
  • In statistics, a chance variable can take on different values based on random outcomes.

Examples

  • For a discrete random chance variable, we have M elements in the alphabet.

  • For each of these chance variables, W of X maps source symbols into real numbers.

  • Researchers often analyze a chance variable to model the likelihood of specific events occurring.

  • A chance variable is used to represent uncertain characteristics in a probability distribution.

Synonyms

random variable
vschance variable
  • Specialized
2 6.8

A number that can have different values by chance, with a known chance for each value

is broader and does not stress the probability distribution aspect
stochastic variable
vschance variable
  • Specialized
9.1

A number that can take different values by chance, for example a dice roll outcome

is the more general term used across statistics and probability theory
variate
vschance variable
  • Specialized
9.9

A number or value that can change by chance

is used more in probability theory as well as in statistics

Antonyms

deterministic
  • Specialized
8 7.7

When things that happen before make the result sure and not random

Surface Forms

chance variable singular
chance variables plural

Morphology

chance + variable

The meaning 'a variable whose values are determined by chance' is directly and compositionally derived from 'chance' (likelihood) + 'variable' (an element that can assume values). This noun-noun construction parallels common expressions like 'random variable' and follows a transparent, cross-linguistically intuitive logic, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Chance variable comes from the clear idea of a variable (something that can change) whose value is set by chance, like the number you get when you roll a die, and that's why a chance variable means a value that comes from 'chance' rather than being fixed.