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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.

“I think food became my drug probably the day that they put me in the orphan’s home,” she told CBN when she was in her 60s.

From

He admitted that some of the inappropriate jokes were "probably true", saying: "Some of what's been said sounds like the sort of comments I'd have made."

From

"It might just be temporary, it'll probably be over by Monday," he laughed.

From

There’s a different switch in my brain for stand-up and stand-up is probably the more naughty or ugly parts of yourself that have you like, “Is this OK? Am I insane to think this?”

From

Other vaccine-preventable diseases would also probably pop up in the coming quarter-century — 190 cases of rubella, 18 of poliomyelitis, eight of diphtheria, according to the Stanford team’s models.

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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