probably
gb/pɹˈɑbəbli/ us/pɹˈɑbəbli/
A2
English
~ 400
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
Very likely but not certain
Used to say something will very likely happen or be true, but is not 100% sure.
Usage pattern:
probably + [verb/statement]
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.
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.)
Collocations
will probably happen
|probably be late
|probably true
|probably need
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She will probably arrive around 8 p.m.
- It's probably going to rain later today.
- 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.
- I will probably go to the party.
- He will probably be late.
- She is probably at home.
- They will probably play soccer after school.
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.