probable

[prob-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. likely to occur or prove true.

   He foresaw a probable business loss. He is the probable writer of the article.

2. having more evidence for than against, or evidence that inclines the mind to belief but leaves some room for doubt.

3. affording ground for belief.

probable

/ ˈprɒbəbəl /

adjective

1. likely to be or to happen but not necessarily so

2. most likely

   the probable cause of the accident

noun

1. a person who is probably to be chosen for a team, event, etc

Other Word Forms

• nonprobable adjective
• nonprobably adverb
• quasi-probable adjective
• quasi-probably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of probable¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin probābilis likely, literally, capable of standing a test, equivalent to probā ( re ) to test ( probe ) + -bilis -ble

Word History and Origins

Origin of probable¹

C14: via Old French from Latin probābilis that may be proved, from probāre to prove

Example Sentences

The NTSB’s preliminary report stopped short of identifying what led to the metal components showing signs of fatigue and stress, or identifying a probable cause.

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According to a probable cause affidavit filed Friday, Fort Bend Sheriff’s Deputy Miguel Ramirez was dispatched to a residence at around 3:50 a.m. in response to a possible family violence situation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York marks the probable end of the longest and costliest corporate bankruptcy case stemming from the U.S. opioid crisis.

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On that basis, it’s probable that you have a healthy income that can help you replenish your savings.

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“There is no other clear probable cause at this point,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apparent 
• credible 
• feasible 
• plausible 
• possible 
• presumed www.thesaurus.com
• reasonable