B1 adjective محايد #24 الأكثر شيوعاً 2 دقيقة للقراءة

probable

/ˈprɒbəbl/

Probable means something is very likely to happen or be true based on available evidence.

الكلمة في 30 ثانية

  • Likely to happen or be true.
  • Indicates a strong possibility.
  • More than possible, less than certain.

**Overview**

The word 'probable' is used to describe something that is likely to occur or be true. It falls between 'possible' (which simply means it can happen) and 'certain' (which means it will happen). When something is probable, there are good reasons or evidence to believe it will happen, making it a strong expectation.

**Usage Patterns**

'Probable' is commonly used with 'that' to introduce a clause stating what is likely to happen. It can also be used with 'to be' followed by an adjective or noun phrase. For example, 'It is probable that it will rain' or 'The probable cause of the accident was a mechanical failure.' It often appears in discussions about risk, prediction, and likelihood.

**Common Contexts**

You'll frequently encounter 'probable' in news reports, scientific discussions, legal proceedings, and everyday conversations where people are assessing the chances of something happening. For instance, weather forecasts might state a 'probable' chance of rain, or a doctor might discuss the 'probable' outcome of a treatment. In business, companies assess 'probable' market trends.

**Similar Words Comparison**:

  • Likely: Very similar to 'probable', often used interchangeably. 'Likely' might sometimes suggest a slightly more intuitive or less evidence-based prediction than 'probable', but the difference is subtle.
  • Possible: Indicates that something can happen, but doesn't necessarily suggest it's likely. The probability could be very low.
  • Certain: Means something will happen without any doubt. It's the highest level of confidence.
  • Plausible: Suggests something seems reasonable or believable, often based on logic, even if not yet proven.
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ملاحظات الاستخدام

Generally used in neutral to formal contexts. While it can be used in casual conversation, its meaning implies a level of assessment or evidence. Avoid using it for things that are merely a slight possibility; 'possible' or 'might' would be better.

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أخطاء شائعة

Mistaking 'probable' for 'certain' is a common error; remember it indicates likelihood, not guaranteed outcome. Also, ensure correct sentence structure, often using 'probable that...' or 'probable cause'.

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نصيحة للحفظ

Think of 'probable' sounding like 'probably'. When you say something is 'probably' true, you mean it's very likely. The adjective 'probable' carries this same sense of strong likelihood.

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أصل الكلمة

The word 'probable' comes from the Latin 'probabilis', meaning 'provable' or 'likely'. It's derived from 'probare', meaning 'to test' or 'to prove'.

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السياق الثقافي

Understanding probability is fundamental to decision-making in many cultures, influencing everything from financial planning and scientific research to everyday choices about risk and safety.

أمثلة

1

It is probable that the package will arrive by Friday.

everyday

Es probable que el paquete llegue el viernes.

2

The scientific community considers a significant increase in global temperatures to be probable.

academic

La comunidad científica considera probable un aumento significativo de las temperaturas globales.

3

Given his track record, it's probable he'll get the promotion.

informal

Dado su historial, es probable que consiga el ascenso.

4

The probable cause of the system failure was identified as a software bug.

formal

La causa probable del fallo del sistema fue identificada como un error de software.

عائلة الكلمة

اسم
probability
فعل
probate (legal context)
ظرف
probably

تلازمات شائعة

highly probable altamente probable
most probable lo más probable
probable cause causa probable
probable outcome resultado probable

العبارات الشائعة

most probable

lo más probable

It's probable that...

Es probable que...

the probable cause

la causa probable

يُخلط عادةً مع

probable vs possible

'Possible' means something can happen, but it might be unlikely. 'Probable' means it's very likely to happen, suggesting a higher chance based on evidence.

probable vs likely

'Likely' and 'probable' are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Probable' can sometimes suggest a more formal or evidence-based assessment of likelihood.

أنماط نحوية

It is probable that + [clause] The probable + [noun] [Noun] is probable
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Use 'probable that' for clarity

When stating what is likely to happen, using the structure 'It is probable that...' makes your sentence clear and grammatically sound.

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Don't confuse with 'possible'

Remember that 'possible' just means something *can* happen, while 'probable' means it's very *likely* to happen. Choose the word that best reflects the degree of likelihood.

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Assessing risk and future events

The concept of probability is crucial in many cultures for planning, decision-making, and understanding risk, from financial investments to everyday safety precautions.

اختبر نفسك

fill blank

Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

Given the dark clouds, it is ______ that it will rain soon.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: b

'Probable' fits best because the dark clouds indicate a strong likelihood of rain, but it's not absolutely certain.

multiple choice

Select the sentence that uses 'probable' correctly.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: b

Option B correctly uses 'probable that' to introduce a clause. Option D is grammatically awkward; 'likely' or 'probable' would typically follow 'is' followed by an adverb (e.g., 'is highly probable').

sentence building

Arrange the words to form a correct sentence using 'probable'.

that / it / rain / will / is / probable

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: c

This sentence correctly uses the 'It is probable that...' structure to express a likely future event.

🎉 النتيجة: /3

الأسئلة الشائعة

4 أسئلة

'Probable' and 'likely' are very close in meaning and often interchangeable. 'Probable' sometimes implies a slightly stronger basis in evidence or calculation, while 'likely' can be more general.

No, 'probable' indicates a high likelihood but not absolute certainty. 'Certain' means something will definitely happen with no doubt.

Yes, 'probable' can describe negative outcomes too. For example, 'It's probable that the project will face delays' or 'The probable cause of the fire was faulty wiring.'

In statistics, 'probable' relates to the probability of an event occurring, often expressed as a number between 0 and 1. A high probability (e.g., above 0.5) suggests the event is probable.

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