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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
SHSAT: Language of the Test
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"He was the smartest man I have ever known but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams," Dolly wrote.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
“If you would have,” Dolly replied, “it would have been something very natural, but I would have probably kicked you in the shins or something.”
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026
He said the market would have probably rewarded an interest-rate hike with lower long-end yields and a reduction in term premium — the extra return investors demand for holding long-term bonds.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026
The rent on the studio was cheap — about $1,500 a month — and the leasing agent, he said, told him he’d probably pay only an additional $50 for utilities.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
“We’ll probably get eaten up. By the bears and wolves in the woods. Sure as heck ain’t going to be any people back there.”
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.
