PROBABLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does probably mean? 

• PROBABLY (adverb)
  The adverb PROBABLY has 2 senses:

1. with considerable certainty; without much doubt

2. easy to believe on the basis of available evidence

  Familiarity information: PROBABLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PROBABLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With considerable certainty; without much doubt

Synonyms:

belike; in all likelihood; in all probability; likely; probably

Context example:

in all likelihood we are headed for war

Pertainym:

probable (likely but not certain to be or become true or real)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Easy to believe on the basis of available evidence

Synonyms:

believably; credibly; plausibly; probably

Context example:

he will probably win the election

Pertainym:

probable (likely but not certain to be or become true or real)

 Context examples 

His height was probably five feet ten inches, or ten and a half; but my first impression, or feel of the man, was not of this, but of his strength.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

He was brought from the castle by Szgany, and probably they delivered their cargo to Slovaks who took the boxes to Varna, for there they were shipped for London.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Probably a long time, she replied; I think it will be best—for papa's sake—to remain at home.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small unpleasantness. Do not join in it.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

In a few minutes I shall probably hear it from your own lips.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The doctor had been in to say that some change, for better or worse, would probably take place about midnight, at which time he would return.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

But on the second, or at farthest the third night after your arrival, you will probably have a violent storm.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

He had, probably, never heard, and never thought of any claims of Charles Hayter.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Sorry! yes, I hope you are sorry; and you will probably have reason to be long sorry for this day's transactions.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

I, probably, should know nothing about their ban; and if I did, I should care nothing about it.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)