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
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SHSAT: Language of the Test
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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
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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.
And while Ina Garten hasn’t explicitly endorsed or criticized cake mixes, her famous catchphrase — “store-bought is fine” — suggests that she’s probably OK with them.
From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026
Speaking generally about government financial pressures, Jones said the outlook was "challenging" this year, adding "probably more challenging than I expected it to be".
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026
“I’m probably going to get some steak this weekend,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026
Many Democratic voters this year waited to turn in their ballots due to the crowded pool of gubernatorial candidates, which probably exacerbated the already-slow process.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026
Some unfamiliar foods, probably from different tribal Nations, quickly appeared on his screen.
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.
