probably

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   Used to say that something is more likely true or likely to happen than not, though not certain.

   Grammar: Goes before the main verb or after be: she will probably come, it is probably fine.

   Patterns

   • probably be something
   • will probably do something

   It will probably rain this afternoon.

   He is probably on his way by now.

   We'll probably order pizza tonight.

2. 2adverbfixed phraseinformal

   Used alone as a short answer meaning that something is likely.

   Grammar: Often answers a question on its own: Are you coming? Probably.

   Patterns

   • Probably not.

   Will she be late? Probably.

   Is it worth the price? Probably not.

   Do you think they noticed? Most probably.

Common combinations

most probably

Most probably the train was delayed by snow.

probably not

We will probably not finish before six.

will probably

He will probably call you tomorrow.

very probably

The result is very probably correct.

probably the best

This is probably the best coffee in town.

Synonyms and how they differ

likely

Likely as an adverb is mostly American and usually follows most or very, while probably moves freely in the sentence.

presumably

Presumably means you are assuming something on the basis of what you know, rather than judging a chance.

perhaps

Perhaps expresses a weaker chance than probably, close to a simple maybe.

in all likelihood

In all likelihood is more formal and slightly stronger than probably.

Opposites

Word family

probable adjective

likely to be true or to happen

probability noun

how likely something is

improbable adjective

not likely

probabilistic adjective

based on probability

Commonly confused: probably or possibly?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “probably”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words