probably

[prob-uh-blee]

adverb

1. in all likelihood; very likely.

   He will probably attend.

probably

/ ˈprɒbəblɪ /

adverb

1. (sentence modifier; not used with a negative or in a question) in all likelihood or probability

   I'll probably see you tomorrow

1. I believe such a thing or situation may be the case

Word History and Origins

Origin of probably¹

First recorded in 1525–35; probable + -ly

Example Sentences

Question 2, which proposes a “red flag” law, has a similar complication problem, which is probably why so many voters are undecided.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sure, AI is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but we probably don’t need 100 gigawatts of toasters paid for with datacenter-collateralized debt guarantees from toaster manufacturers—today’s circular deals.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"There were probably a few fantasy managers who were not so happy," he told Sky Sports, referring to the game in which participants win points based on the real-life performances of players.

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So I think that her vocabulary of options, or the number options she has, is probably around 500 to 600.

Read more on Salon

Because she is still alive, there are many things she can do to right this wrong, but suing her son for breach of fiduciary duty is probably not among them.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• apparently 
• doubtless 
• no doubt 
• perhaps 
• possibly 
• presumably 
• seemingly 

When To Use

What does probably 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.