probably
Americanadverb
adverb
Usage
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.
Etymology
Origin of probably
Explanation
If something probably will happen, it's likely. If it probably won't happen, don't get your hopes up. This is a word for things that are likely to happen or just believable. If your dinner is gone and your dog looks guilty, the dog probably jumped on the table to eat it. If someone moved all the furniture around while you were sleeping, you probably would have noticed. Given all the billions of stars in the sky, there's probably life out there, but who knows if we'll ever meet it. You probably like some foods better than others.
Vocabulary lists containing probably
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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SHSAT: Language of the Test
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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Still, if this season has proven anything, it’s that when it comes to new technology, it’s probably best to trust the young generation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
“Americans are probably going to spend more on gasoline as it relates to the price of oil in that gasoline,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told MarketWatch.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026
"While I'm still young I think I can take the risk. I probably won't take such positions when I'm older."
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
It’s expected that California insurers probably would collect the data over six months and use them to quote premiums for the next six-month period.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
Because of course, Berlin was wearing her program T-shirt and probably Marcie had called ahead.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
