Probably Definition & Meaning

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    • Synonyms probably American [prob-uh-blee] / ˈprɒb ə bli /

    adverb

    1. in all likelihood; very likely.

      He will probably attend.

    probably British / ˈprɒbəblɪ /

    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

    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

    Usage

    What does probably 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.

    Etymology

    Origin of probably

    First recorded in 1525–35; probable + -ly

    Example Sentences

    Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

    In words a 1960s Yale graduate would probably understand but today’s probably wouldn’t: Res ipsa loquitur.

    From The Wall Street Journal

    “I think that’s been very well acknowledged this year but I think it’s probably overdue.”

    From Los Angeles Times

    This is probably better suited to older kids, who won’t be disturbed by the themes, but will still appreciate the fanatical storytelling and stunning animation.

    From Salon

    "I think this message we have, probably more strongly at Christmas, about hope and believing in a better future, absolutely has merit," Lucy reflected.

    From BBC

    "It was probably the covenants that were the important thing," Ian reflected, "because it was something that we were agreeing between us to do, which just binds us that little bit closer together."

    From BBC

    Related Words

    • apparently
    • doubtless
    • no doubt
    • perhaps
    • possibly
    • presumably
    • seemingly

    Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

    Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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