probably
gb/pɹˈɑbəbli/ us/pɹˈɑbəbli/
A2
English
~ 400
valószínűleg
A2
1
valószínűleg
B1
Usage pattern:
probably + [verb/statement]
She will probably arrive around 8 p.m.
Valószínűleg este nyolc körül érkezik.
It's probably going to rain later today.
Valószínűleg esni fog ma később.
He probably forgot to call you.
This is probably the best option we have.
They probably won't agree to those terms.
Learner examples
It will probably rain tomorrow.
Holnap valószínűleg esni fog.
I will probably go to the party.
Valószínűleg elmegyek a buliba.
He will probably be late.
She is probably at home.
They will probably play soccer after school.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'probably' with 'possibly'. 'Probably' means a high chance, while 'possibly' means it could happen but with no indication of likelihood.
Meaning
Very likely but not certain
Collocations
will probably happen
|probably be late
|probably true
|probably need
Synonyms
likely (Slightly more formal; can be adjective or adverb.)
|
presumably (Implies an assumption based on evidence, sometimes more tentative.)
Antonyms
unlikely (Expresses low chance of happening or being true.)
|
certainly (Expresses complete certainty rather than probability.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say something will very likely happen or be true, but is not 100% sure.
Used to say that something is very likely to be true or to happen, though it is not certain.
Grammar
Dictionary form
probably
IPA
GB/pɹˈɑbəbli/
US/pɹˈɑbəbli/
Syllables & stress
prob - ably (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (prob)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: probably
- Plural: probablies
Word family
Forms
probablies
noun
Core family
probable
adjective B2
probability
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
improbable
adjective B2
improbably
adverb
Expressions
most probably
1/mˈoʊst pɹˈɑbəbli/
fixed phrase
Almost certain likelihood
Used to say something is almost certain to happen or be true.
Examples
- Most probably, she will accept the job offer.
- It will most probably snow this weekend.
quite probably
1/kwˈaɪt pɹˈɑbəbli/
fixed phrase
Very likely to occur
Used to say something is very likely to happen or be true.
Examples
- He will quite probably call you later.
- The meeting will quite probably run long.