probable
Noun pluralprobables
Pluralprobables
- 1Expected to happen, even though it is not certain.
Like dark clouds in the sky: rain is not certain, but you expect it.
Rain is probable this afternoon, so bring an umbrella.
A delay is probable because the roads are full of snow.
Oppositeunlikely, improbable
- 2Most likely true, based on the facts you have.
The most probable explanation is that he forgot his keys at work.
It is probable that the cat knocked the cup off the table.
Similarlikely, plausible, credible
Oppositeimprobable, unlikely, implausible
Note
- 3Giving good reason to believe something, but not proving it.
Like footprints in the snow: they make you think someone walked by, but they do not prove who it was.
The broken window was probable evidence of a break-in, but it did not prove anything.
Her notes gave probable support for the idea, but they did not prove it.
Similarsuggestive, plausible
Note
- 4A person who is expected to take part in something, like a game or a play.
The coach listed her as a probable for Saturday's game.
After doing so well at tryouts, he is a probable for the main part in the school play.
- 5Something that you expect will most likely happen.
Put the picnic down as a probable for Saturday, since the weather looks good.
Our teacher said a quiz on Friday is a probable, so study tonight.
Note
Less common meaning
- 6Able to be proved or shown to be true.
His claim to the land was probable by the papers he kept, so the court allowed it.
She said the debt was probable by the shop's own book, where every sale was written down.
Note
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Latin 'probabilis' meaning 'that can be proved' or 'credible', from 'probare' meaning 'to test or examine'. It came into English through Old French.