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View synonyms for

probably

[ prob-uh-blee ]

adverb

  1. in all likelihood; very likely:

    He will probably attend.



probably

/ ˈɒəɪ /

adverb

  1. sentence modifier; not used with a negative or in a question in all likelihood or probability

    I'll probably see you tomorrow

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

sentence substitute

  1. I believe such a thing or situation may be the case
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of probably1

First recorded in 1525–35; probable + -ly
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"'s happened now is that this is probably the first election that I've been in where there is no conversation about an Aboriginal policy. It's just gone silent."

From

He added that taking on some new tasks involved some upgrades the average vacuum owner probably would not have lying around their homes, such as a cart, a helmet and a robotic arm.

From

"In the future, we think metagenomics will become a first line test and be able to diagnose infection in any sample, probably within the same day," she says.

From

"It's probably the only festival that's dependent on air pressure, which dictates how far the tide goes out and how long we can stay on the sandbar," he said.

From

Life’s a bit busier now with kids and other commitments, but I’d probably say yes...

From

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More About Probably

doesprobably mean?

Probably means most likely or in all likelihood.

Probably is the adverb form of the adjective probable, meaning “very likely to occur or be true.” Probably is used when you think something will happen or turn out to be true, but you’re not certain enough to say it definitely will.

Example: My flight will probably arrive within the next few hours, but I can’t guarantee it.

Where doesprobably come from?

Probably came into popular use in the 1520s. It is formed from the word probable and the suffix -ly, which is used to make it into an adverb. Probable comes from the Latin Dz, which means “likely,” “literally,” or “capable of standing a test,” and is equivalent to the verb Dz() “to test.” This word gives us both probe and prove.

Probably is commonly used to express that you think something is likely to happen (as in He’ll probably be late) or could prove to be true (as in It probably costs more than that, so you should bring some extra money to be safe). In all cases, it implies that you’re not 100 percent sure. It’s stronger than maybe, but it still indicates doubt. It’s very rarely used with a negative or as part of a question. However, it can be used as a sentence substitute, meaning it can take the place of a full sentence to answer a question, as in Have you learned all you need to know about this word? Probably.

Did you know ... ?

are some other forms related to probably?

  • probable (adjective)
  • quasiprobably (adverb)

are some synonyms for probably?

are some words that share a root or word element with probably?

are some words that often get used in discussing probably?

How isprobablyused in real life?

Probably is most commonly used in cases where you’re confident that something will happen or turn out to be true, but you can’t say for sure.

Try usingprobably!

Is probably used correctly in the following sentence?

I’ll probably fall asleep on the couch tonight.

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