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 Words From

• non·proba·ble adjective
• non·proba·bly adverb
• quasi-proba·ble adjective
• quasi-proba·bly 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

Ultimately, the three factors discussed here suggest that fears of widespread violence by vigilantes and activists during and after Election Day should be treated as fears, not as a probable outcome.

From No Straight News

The charges were filed Thursday in the 36th District Court in Detroit, where a judge found probable cause to support them, according to the Associated Press.

From Washington Blade

The more probable outcome is that business will have to adapt to a disorienting new rule book in Washington and in government at all levels nationwide.

From Fortune

Life events and random circumstances tug kids in different directions, making various outcomes more or less probable but never dictating outcomes, the authors emphasize.

From Science News

This information allows consumers to contact manufacturers directly to inquire about the source of product ingredients and notify the company of any known or probable reactions to the ingredients.

From Popular-Science

He was not selling “loosies” that day, no cigarettes were found on his person, and thus there was no probable cause in play.

From The Daily Beast

The goal should be to determine probable cause for change in how we police ourselves everywhere.

From The Daily Beast

More probable are smaller attacks like the Boston marathon bombing.

From The Daily Beast

But “reasonable suspicion” is not the same thing as probable cause.

From The Daily Beast

But interest does not translate into probable cause without evidence.

From The Daily Beast

It is probable that Mlle. Mayer came under the influence of Prud'hon as early as 1802, possibly before that time.

From Project Gutenberg

Men's probable actions are calculated by the law of reason; but their performance is usually the result of caprice.

From Project Gutenberg

It is probable he wished to provide written proof of a plea that he was an unwilling agent in the clutch of a mutinous army.

From Project Gutenberg

It is therefore probable that some of Trevithick's engines reached Jamaica.

From Project Gutenberg

This is very probable, and may account also for the elevated model which was adopted both by Andrew and some others of the Amati.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apparent
• credible
• feasible
• plausible
• possible
• presumed
• reasonable