probable
gb/pɹˈɑbəbəl/ us/pɹˈɑbəbəl/
B2
English
~ 2400
valószínű
B2
1
valószínű
B1
Usage pattern:
it is probable (that) [clause]
It is probable that the meeting will be postponed.
Valószínű, hogy elhalasztják a megbeszélést.
The most probable explanation is human error.
A legvalószínűbb magyarázat az emberi hiba.
Given the dark clouds, rain seems highly probable.
Police said it was probable that the suspect had left the city.
A probable cause for the accident was a brake failure.
Learner examples
It is probable that she will come.
Valószínű, hogy eljön.
Rain is probable this afternoon.
Valószínű, hogy ma délután esni fog.
This is the most probable answer.
It is probable that he is tired.
The team has a probable chance to win.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'probable' with 'possible'. 'Probable' means more likely than not; 'possible' only means it can happen.
Meaning
likely to happen or be true
Collocations
highly probable
|probable cause
|probable outcome
|probable reason
|most probable
Synonyms
likely (Slightly more common in everyday speech; 'probable' is more formal.)
|
possible (Indicates something could happen, but with less certainty than 'probable'.)
Antonyms
improbable (Implies there is little chance of the event happening.)
|
unlikely (Common in everyday speech to mean low chance of happening.)
Themes
probability
|reasoning
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Having a good chance of being true or happening.
Having a high chance of being true or of occurring, based on evidence or reasoning.
Grammar
Dictionary form
probable
IPA
GB/pɹˈɑbəbəl/
US/pɹˈɑbəbəl/
Syllables & stress
prob - able (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (prob)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: probable
Word family
Core family
probably
adverb A2
probability
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
improbable
adjective B2
improbably
adverb
Advanced or less common
Expressions
probable cause
1/pɹˈɑbəbəl kˈɔz/
fixed phrase
reasonable legal grounds
A good reason for the police to think a crime happened or to search a place.
Examples
- The police needed probable cause before entering the house.
- Without probable cause, the search would be illegal.