verb

probate

PROH-bayt

Probate (verb) means to legally validate a will after someone's death, confirming it as authentic before an estate is distributed. Example: “The will had to be probated before the heirs could receive their inheritance.”

verb

To legally validate a will after someone's death, confirming it as authentic before an estate is distributed.

"The will had to be probated before the heirs could receive their inheritance."

How to use probate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe legal process of confirming a will is valid.

Common pairings

probate a will probate court go through probate

Word forms

probated past tense, probates singular

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The will had to be _____ before the heirs could receive their inheritance.

Etymology

From Latin probatus, "tested" or "proven," from probare, "to test or examine" — the same root as "probe" and "prove."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for probate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “probate” mean?

The word “probate” means to legally validate a will after someone's death, confirming it as authentic before an estate is distributed. In plain terms, the legal process of confirming a will is valid.

How do you pronounce “probate”?

“Probate” is pronounced PROH-bayt (/ˈpɹəʊbeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “probate” in a sentence?

Here is “probate” used in a sentence: “The will had to be probated before the heirs could receive their inheritance.”

What part of speech is “probate”?

“Probate” is a verb.

Where does the word “probate” come from?

The word “probate” comes from Latin. From Latin probatus, "tested" or "proven," from probare, "to test or examine" — the same root as "probe" and "prove.".