Probably Meaning and Definition
Probably
Pronunciation
/ˈpɹoʊbəbli/
Part of Speech
Noun, Adverb
Definition
A state or condition where something is likely or plausible, but not necessarily certain or definite.
Examples
- The probably best way to get there is by taking the bus.
- The new employee probably won’t need much training.
Synonyms
- Likely
- Possible
- Probable
Antonyms
- Unlikely
- Impossible
Etymology
The word “Probably” comes from the Old French word “probable”, which is derived from the Latin word “probabilis”, meaning ” believable” or “trustworthy”.
Usage Notes
When using “Probably” as an adverb, it should be used sparingly and only in contexts where the speaker is indicating a degree of certainty. Overusing the word can make it lose its impact and sound insincere.
Cultural References
“Probably” has been used in various forms of media, including music, literature, and film. Examples include the song “Probably” by the band The Grateful Dead, and the novel “Probability” by author Jules Verne.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “In probably”
- “probably not”
Related Words or Phrases
- Maybe
- Perhaps
- Likely
Collocations
- Probably the best
- Probably not the worst
Frequency of Use
“Probably” is a commonly used word in modern English, especially in formal and professional contexts. According to the Oxford English Corpus, it appears in approximately 1 in every 500 written texts.
Common Misspellings
- Probaly
- Probally
- Pobably