probably

[prob-uh-blee]

adverb

1. in all likelihood; very likely.

   He will probably attend.

probably

/ ˈprɒbəblɪ /

adverb

1. (sentence modifier; not used with a negative or in a question) in all likelihood or probability

   I'll probably see you tomorrow

1. I believe such a thing or situation may be the case

Word History and Origins

Origin of probably¹

First recorded in 1525–35; probable + -ly

Example Sentences

Montgomery said he figures he probably would have been OK no matter what.

From Los Angeles Times

Realistically, my husband and I would probably end the day by binge-watching bad reality TV to decompress and disassociate for a little bit — something like “Love Island.”

From Los Angeles Times

“The easiest thing would have been for Robert to plow on until he truly pegged out and by which time the estate probably would have been run into the ground or mismanaged,” Bonneville says.

From Los Angeles Times

Typically, each round of funding receives about 30 to 35 applications from developers, though this round probably will attract more since there’s more money to go around.

From Los Angeles Times

"The school I think was closed for a short time yesterday as well probably as a precaution, because obviously they didn't know what was going on."

From BBC

Related Words

• apparently 
• doubtless 
• no doubt 
• perhaps 
• possibly 
• presumably 
• seemingly 

When To Use

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.