probably
PROB-uh-blee
Probably (adv) means Very likely, though not completely certain. Example: “She's probably running late again.”
adv
1
Very likely, though not completely certain.
"She's probably running late again."
"It will probably rain later, so bring an umbrella."
"Don't ring her now, because she is probably still asleep."
How to use probably
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost likely — used to soften a statement you're fairly, but not completely, sure about.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more probably
- Superlative
- most probably
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She's _____ running late again.
Etymology
This word came from Middle English probably, probabily; it is equivalent to probable + -ly.
Synonyms
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likely
most likely
presumably
in all likelihood
doubtless
very likely
belike
credibly
plausibly
believably
in all probability
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for probably
notably
arguably
amicably
suitably
reliably
admirably
favorably
miserably
inexorably
reasonably
invariably
remarkably
See all rhymes for probably →
Frequently asked questions
What does “probably” mean?
The word “probably” means very likely, though not completely certain. In plain terms, most likely — used to soften a statement you're fairly, but not completely, sure about.
How do you pronounce “probably”?
“Probably” is pronounced PROB-uh-blee (/ˈpɹɑ.bə.bli/ in IPA).
How do you use “probably” in a sentence?
Here is “probably” used in a sentence: “She's probably running late again.”
What part of speech is “probably”?
“Probably” is an adverb.
Is “probably” a common word?
“Probably” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between probably and possibly?
'Probably' signals a strong chance, more likely than not, above an even bet. 'Possibly' signals only that something could happen, with no promise it is likely. 'It will probably rain' expects rain; 'it will possibly rain' merely allows for it. Probably shows confidence, possibly shows open uncertainty.
What is the difference between probably and definitely?
'Definitely' means certain, with no real doubt, while 'probably' means very likely but still leaves room for the opposite. 'I'll definitely be there' is a firm promise; 'I'll probably be there' expects to attend but keeps a little uncertainty. Probably is confident, definitely is sure.
Is 'probably' more certain than 'maybe'?
Yes. 'Probably' leans clearly toward yes, suggesting something is likely to happen. 'Maybe' sits on the fence, giving roughly even odds either way. So 'I'll probably come' sounds more committed than 'maybe I'll come,' which keeps both outcomes equally open.
How likely does 'probably' mean?
There is no exact figure, but 'probably' implies the chance is well above half, likely though not guaranteed. It signals real confidence while honestly admitting the outcome is not certain. Studies of how people read the word tend to place it somewhere around 70% likelihood.
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