First Known Use: 1613
Dictionary
probably
adverb prob·a·bly \ˈprä-bə-blē, ˈprä(b)-blē\
: very likely : almost certainly
Full Definition of PROBABLY
: insofar as seems reasonably true, factual, or to be expected : without much doubt <is probably happy> <it will probably rain>
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Examples of PROBABLY
- The impact probably added all but the last few percent of Earth's mass and set the stage for Earth's and the Moon's subsequent evolution. —Mark Wilson, Physics Today, February 2008
- It was no secret that McKay preferred the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, and that, along with his innocent optimism and snark-free sincerity, probably makes him hopelessly old-fashioned. —Richard Hoffer, Sports Illustrated, 16 June 2008
- But what these newly inaugurated gym rats probably don't know is that besides buffing up their bodies for summer, they're also buffing up their brains. —Christen Brownlee, Science News, 25 Feb. 2006
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Origin of PROBABLY
(see 1probable)
Related to PROBABLY
- Synonyms
- assumably, doubtless, likely, presumably, as like as not (or like as not)
- Antonyms
- improbably
PROBABLY Defined for Kids
probably
adverb prob·a·bly \ˈprä-bə-blē\
Definition of PROBABLY for Kids
: very likely <With dark clouds like those, it will probably rain.>
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