Final answer:
The pair of words 'far more likely than' shows the greatest degree of certainty, indicating a strong conviction that an event will occur. This is evident in various contexts such as legal standards, everyday language, and in critical decision-making scenarios where a high level of certainty is paramount.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining which pair of words shows the greatest degree of certainty, we have to consider the meaning and implication of each choice in comparison to one another. The phrase 'far more likely than' suggests a high level of certainty in comparison to 'far less likely than,' 'slightly less likely than,' and 'equally as likely as.' The use of 'far more' indicates a strong confidence in the outcome, suggesting that it is very much expected to happen over the other options. This aligns with the legal standard in a criminal trial, which requires evidence 'convincing beyond a reasonable doubt,' representing a high degree of certainty required before reaching a verdict. Certainty is represented not just in legal standards but also in our daily lives and language. For example, someone saying 'I am certain' conveys a stronger conviction compared to saying 'it appears to me that.' The word certainty is also used to reflect the absence of doubt, in both scientific conclusions and everyday expressions, as seen in the dialogue between Nora and Rank where 'absolute certainty' is emphasized, denoting complete assurance and absence of any doubt. Moreover, the context in discussions, whether in gambling or military strategy, often determines the level of certainty required. While some scenarios like wartime decisions demand predictions without absolute certainty, in other contexts such as medical diagnoses or legal decisions, the level of certainty is set to a much higher standard, underscoring the impact of certainty in critical situations.