Probable: Definition, Usage & Key Differences

Meaning 1：very likely (probable)

probable 🔊

/ˈprɒbəbəl/

adj.

very likely to be true or to happen; showing strong signs of being the case.

Probable concept illustrated by a smartphone showing a 90% chance of rain forecast.

very likely 🔊

➕

/ˈveri ˈlaɪkli/

adj.

Describing something that, based on evidence or logic, is more likely to happen or be true than not.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'probabilis' (worthy of approval, likely), from 'probare' (to prove, test). Root 'prob-' means 'prove, test'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'PROB' sounds like 'PROVE', and 'ABLE' means capable. Something that is 'probable' is *capable of being proven* true based on the evidence.

📖 Example

Looking at the dark clouds, it's probable that we'll have rain this afternoon. 🔊 Based on the dark clouds, it is very likely that rain will occur this afternoon.

🔗 Collocations

probable cause – a reasonable basis for believing a crime may have been committed

highly probable – extremely likely

probable outcome – the most likely result

🔄 Synonyms

likely (adj.) – Having a good chance of happening or being true.

possible (adj.) – Able to happen or be true, but with less certainty than 'probable'.

plausible (adj.) – Seeming reasonable or probable, especially as an explanation.

🚫 Antonyms

improbable (adj.) – Not likely to happen or be true.

unlikely (adj.) – Having little chance of happening or being true.

🌱 Derivatives

probably (adv.) – Almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell.

probability (n.) – The quality or state of being probable; the extent to which something is likely to happen.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'probable' entered English via Old French from Latin 'probabilis', meaning 'provable' or 'worthy of approval'. Historically, it was used in philosophy and law to describe claims supported by evidence but not absolute certainty. Its frequent pairing with 'probability' in mathematics and statistics solidified its meaning related to likelihood in the modern era.