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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishThe legal process of confirming a will is valid.
Common pairings
probate a will
probate court
go through probate
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- probates
- Past tense
- probated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Rhymes for probate
See all rhymes for probate →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.".
