probable
Likely to happen, be true, or exist. It suggests a strong possibility or a high degree of certainty, but not absolute proof.
Probable means something is very likely to happen or be true based on available evidence.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Likely to happen or be true.
- Indicates a strong possibility.
- More than possible, less than certain.
Summary
Probable means something is very likely to happen or be true based on available evidence.
- Likely to happen or be true.
- Indicates a strong possibility.
- More than possible, less than certain.
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.
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.
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.
Beispiele
4 von 4It is probable that the package will arrive by Friday.
The scientific community considers a significant increase in global temperatures to be probable.
Given his track record, it's probable he'll get the promotion.
The probable cause of the system failure was identified as a software bug.
Wortfamilie
Merkhilfe
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.
**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.
Nutzungshinweise
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.
Häufige Fehler
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'.
Merkhilfe
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.
Wortherkunft
The word 'probable' comes from the Latin 'probabilis', meaning 'provable' or 'likely'. It's derived from 'probare', meaning 'to test' or 'to prove'.
Kultureller Kontext
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.
Beispiele
It is probable that the package will arrive by Friday.
everydayThe scientific community considers a significant increase in global temperatures to be probable.
academicGiven his track record, it's probable he'll get the promotion.
informalThe probable cause of the system failure was identified as a software bug.
formalWortfamilie
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
most probable
It's probable that...
the probable cause
Wird oft verwechselt mit
'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.
'Likely' and 'probable' are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Probable' can sometimes suggest a more formal or evidence-based assessment of likelihood.
Grammatikmuster
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.
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.
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.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
Given the dark clouds, it is ______ that it will rain soon.
'Probable' fits best because the dark clouds indicate a strong likelihood of rain, but it's not absolutely certain.
Select the sentence that uses 'probable' correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
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').
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence using 'probable'.
that / it / rain / will / is / probable
This sentence correctly uses the 'It is probable that...' structure to express a likely future event.
Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 Fragen'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.
