probable

[prob-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. likely to occur or prove true.

   He foresaw a probable business loss. He is the probable writer of the article.

2. having more evidence for than against, or evidence that inclines the mind to belief but leaves some room for doubt.

3. affording ground for belief.

probable

/ ˈprɒbəbəl /

adjective

1. likely to be or to happen but not necessarily so

2. most likely

   the probable cause of the accident

noun

1. a person who is probably to be chosen for a team, event, etc

Other Word Forms

• nonprobable adjective
• nonprobably adverb
• quasi-probable adjective
• quasi-probably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of probable¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin probābilis likely, literally, capable of standing a test, equivalent to probā ( re ) to test ( probe ) + -bilis -ble

Word History and Origins

Origin of probable¹

C14: via Old French from Latin probābilis that may be proved, from probāre to prove

Example Sentences

However, England will be keen to have Aldcroft's influence back for a probable quarter-final meeting with the losers of Canada and Scotland's match earlier on Saturday.

From BBC

By returning an indictment, the grand jury indicated that it believed federal prosecutors had proved that there is probable cause the defendants violated federal law and that the case can proceed to trial.

From Los Angeles Times

“Reasonable suspicion is a low bar — well below probable cause,” administration lawyers said.

From Los Angeles Times

EPI points to NHS data from 2023, which suggests a higher percentage of girls and women aged between 17 and 19 in England had a "probable" mental health disorder, compared to boys and men.

From BBC

"The probable causes of death appear to be medical and/or toxicological," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• apparent 
• credible 
• feasible 
• plausible 
• possible 
• presumed www.thesaurus.com
• reasonable