probable
Americanadjective
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likely to occur or prove true.
He foresaw a probable business loss. He is the probable writer of the article.
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having more evidence for than against, or evidence that inclines the mind to belief but leaves some room for doubt.
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affording ground for belief.
adjective
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likely to be or to happen but not necessarily so
-
most likely
the probable cause of the accident
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of probable
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin probābilis likely, literally, capable of standing a test, equivalent to probā ( re ) to test ( see probe) + -bilis -ble
Compare meaning
How does probable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
If it's probable, then odds are it's going to come true. If rain is probable this weekend, you shouldn't plan a picnic. Things that are probable are probably going to happen; they're likely. Meteorologists are always trying to figure out what weather is probable, though they're often wrong. Sportscasters and gamblers try to guess the probable outcome of big games. You can also call a candidate for a job or political office who's likely to get the position a probable — they've probably got the job in the bag.
Vocabulary lists containing probable
Twelve Angry Men
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Week 5: Scientific Viewpoints
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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.
Probable contenders for European spots, Rennes and Nice are still chasing their first win of the season.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 20, 2022
"Probable cause" means that there must be some evidence of each element of the offense.
From Salon • Jul. 31, 2022
Probable cause usually emanates from a third party that is closely associated with the subject of the search warrant.
From Slate • Jun. 28, 2022
Probable cause is the legal standard for determining whether a search or seizure is constitutional or a crime has been committed; it is a lower threshold than the standard of proof at a criminal trial.
From Textbooks • Jul. 28, 2021
The answer is that it is a self-contained unit appropriate to each series severally, and technically called the Probable Error, or more briefly, P.E., in the headings to the following tables.
From Finger Prints by Galton, Francis, Sir
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.
