Probably: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：very likely (probably)

probably 🔊

/ˈprɒb.ə.bli/

adv.

Used to say that something is very likely to happen or be true, but you are not 100% sure.

Person holding umbrella looking at rainy sky, probably expecting rain

very likely 🔊

➕

/ˈver.i ˈlaɪk.li/

adv.

Used to indicate that something is strongly expected to be true or to happen, though not certain.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'probabilis' (likely), from 'probare' (to prove).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'prob' as in 'probe' - probing evidence leads to a 'probably' conclusion.

📖 Example

Look at those dark clouds; it probably will rain soon. 🔊 Look at those dark clouds; it probably will rain soon.

🔗 Collocations

most probably – very likely; almost certainly

probably not – used to express doubt or negation

probably will – expresses a strong expectation of a future action

🔄 Synonyms

likely (adv.) – In a probable manner; often used as an adverb meaning 'probably'.

presumably (adv.) – Used to convey that what is asserted is very likely though not known for certain.

perhaps (adv.) – Used to express possibility or uncertainty, but with a lower degree of certainty than 'probably'.

🚫 Antonyms

unlikely (adv.) – Not likely; improbable.

doubtfully (adv.) – In a manner that expresses uncertainty or lack of conviction.

improbably (adv.) – In a way that is not likely to happen or be true.

🌱 Derivatives

probable (adj.) – Likely to happen or be the case.

probability (n.) – The extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening.

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

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'probabilis' via Old French. In modern English, it's the go-to adverb for expressing high likelihood in both casual and formal speech.