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probably
[ prob-uh-blee ]
adverb
- in all likelihood; very likely:
He will probably attend.
probably
/ ˈprɒbəblɪ /
adverb
- sentence modifier; not used with a negative or in a question in all likelihood or probability
I'll probably see you tomorrow
sentence substitute
- I believe such a thing or situation may be the case
Example Sentences
Ancient people probably stopped briefly at Alathar, perhaps while following herds of elephants or other creatures through the region, the researchers say.
Such an experience of the harmony between a landscape and its lifeforms is probably not the result of objective analysis.
Unlike many creatures, it survived the massive volcanic eruptions in what’s now Siberia that upset the chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans and probably triggered the Permian mass extinction about 252 million years ago.
Beetles probably do some actual pollination for the plant, says Santos.
Pactiv Evergreen probably makes the plastic containers that Red Lobster uses to wrap up your leftovers.
If anything the work the two cops and the maintenance guy were doing deserves more respect and probably helped a lot more people.
However, more than 20 players on the ballot this year were probably worthy of being enshrined in Cooperstown.
The plan is to stretch it out as long as possible, then probably forget about it, and then suddenly remember it.
I—I never felt that way about the presidency, as you—as you probably know.
The “pilot flying” was more probably the far less experienced copilot.
A moderately enlarged testis (probably regressing) was noted in the specimen from Pisté, on July 21.
You may, you probably will, differ very widely upon much that I have here put before you.
Results are easily and quickly obtained, and are probably accurate enough for all clinical purposes.
Probably the swallows were nesting in the cenote although the nests were inaccessible to view.
John was baptizing at a large pool called Ænon-by-Saleim,—probably allegorical, meaning “Fountain of Repose.”
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More About Probably
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.
Where does probably come from?
Probably came into popular use in the 1520s. It is formed from the word probable and the suffix -ly, which is used to make it into an adverb. Probable comes from the Latin probābilis, which means “likely,” “literally,” or “capable of standing a test,” and is equivalent to the verb probā(re) “to test.” This word gives us both probe and prove.
Probably is commonly used to express that you think something is likely to happen (as in He’ll probably be late) or could prove to be true (as in It probably costs more than that, so you should bring some extra money to be safe). In all cases, it implies that you’re not 100 percent sure. It’s stronger than maybe, but it still indicates doubt. It’s very rarely used with a negative or as part of a question. However, it can be used as a sentence substitute, meaning it can take the place of a full sentence to answer a question, as in Have you learned all you need to know about this word? Probably.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to probably?
- probable (adjective)
- quasiprobably (adverb)
What are some synonyms for probably?
- likely
- most likely
- in all likelihood
- in all probability
What are some words that share a root or word element with probably?
What are some words that often get used in discussing probably?
How is probably used in real life?
Probably is most commonly used in cases where you’re confident that something will happen or turn out to be true, but you can’t say for sure.
if somebody consistently talks badly about you but they (or others) just say "it's just a joke", they're probably not your friend
— Jason Zimmerman (@MVG_Mew2King) March 15, 2020
my next song out is probably my favorite song I’ve made in a long time
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) December 10, 2019
Just saw @LittleWomen, which I’ll probably see a dozen times. It’s completely stunning and doctors should prescribe it. Go go go.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 29, 2019
Try using probably!
Is probably used correctly in the following sentence?
I’ll probably fall asleep on the couch tonight.
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