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Synonyms

probably

American  
[prob-uh-blee] / ˈprɒb ə bli /

adverb

  1. in all likelihood; very likely.

    He will probably attend.


probably British  
/ ˈprɒbəblɪ /

adverb

  1. (sentence modifier; not used with a negative or in a question) in all likelihood or probability

    I'll probably see you tomorrow

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

  1. I believe such a thing or situation may be the case

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

First recorded in 1525–35; probable + -ly

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.

Perhaps the real disappointing aspect of the bucket list is that most of us will probably never check off all or even some of the items on it.

From MarketWatch

The economy probably slowed in the final three months of 2025, partly because of the damage caused by the shutdown, as MarketWatch has previously reported.

From MarketWatch

As you probably know, real estate is all about location, which means it’s usually the land, not the home, that goes up in value.

From MarketWatch

The only complaint here is that we probably have to wait a couple of years for Season 2.

From MarketWatch

"BASIL!" - the unmistakable sound of Sybil Fawlty admonishing her pompous and incompetent husband, is probably how Prunella Scales will best be remembered.

From BBC