Probably
'prɒbəbli
Definitions
In all likelihood; almost certainly.
'prɒbəbli
Used to indicate that something is likely but not certain to happen or be the case.
She will probably arrive before noon.
💡 Simply: It means it's very likely something will happen, but we're not 100% sure. Like, "I'll probably eat pizza tonight" means I *think* I will, but maybe something will change!
👶 For kids: It means maybe! Like, "I will probably play outside later." It's not a sure thing, but it's very likely.
More Examples
We will probably go on vacation next summer.
The test will probably be difficult.
How It's Used
"I'll probably go to the store later."
"It will probably rain tomorrow."
"She will probably win the competition."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
more than likely
Very probably.
"It's more than likely that they will agree to the terms."
most probably
Likely or almost certain to be the case
"The meeting will most probably take place next week."
From Middle English `probabli`, from Old French `probable`, from Latin `probabilis` ('provable, likely').
The word 'probably' has been used to express likelihood since the early 16th century, gradually evolving in usage from legal contexts to general everyday communication.
Memory tip
Think of 'prob' from 'prove'. It's like saying something is likely to be proven true.
Word Origin
"provable, believable, credible"