¹probable

adjective prob·a·ble \ˈprä-bə-bəl, ˈprä(b)-bəl\

: likely to happen or to be true but not certain

Full Definition of PROBABLE

: supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof <a probable hypothesis>

: establishing a probability <probable evidence>

: likely to be or become true or real <probable outcome>

See probable defined for English-language learners

See probable defined for kids

Origin of PROBABLE

Middle English, from Latin probabilis commendable, probable, from probare to test, approve, prove — more at prove

First Known Use: 1606

Related to PROBABLE

Synonyms: credible, creditable, likely, plausible, presumptive, believable

Antonyms: far-fetched, implausible, improbable, incredible, unbelievable, unlikely, unplausible

²probable

noun

Definition of PROBABLE

: one that is probable

First Known Use of PROBABLE

1647

PROBABLE Defined for Kids

probable

adjective prob·a·ble \ˈprä-bə-bəl\

Definition of PROBABLE for Kids

: reasonably sure but not certain of happening or being true : likely

Learn More About PROBABLE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "probable"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "probable"

Nglish: Translation of "probable" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "probable" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: probable causePrevious Word in the Dictionary: probabilizeAll Words Near: probable

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up probable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

1probable