What does probably mean?
Probably is an adverb meaning more likely than not. It softens assertions, communicates the speaker's degree of confidence, and is often used when discussing future events, tentative explanations, or uncertain plans. In everyday conversation, it provides a useful middle ground between saying something is certain and admitting that nothing can be known. Its force can vary with context: “probably” may suggest a strong but not absolute expectation, while “quite probably” or “very probably” adds emphasis. Conversely, it can sound overly casual or vague in legal, scientific, and technical writing, where numerical probabilities or precise terms are preferable. The word is neutral in register and is used similarly in British and American English. Its history is straightforward: it was formed from “probable” with the adverbial ending “-ly,” ultimately drawing on Latin roots associated with testing and proving. Understanding “probably” as calibrated uncertainty helps speakers communicate confidence without overstating it.
adverbProbably means more likely than not. It indicates that the speaker believes something has a greater chance of being true or happening, without claiming certainty.
- Used to indicate that something is more likely than not, while leaving some degree of uncertainty.
"The meeting will probably begin before noon."
"She will probably choose the quieter restaurant."
"The delay was probably caused by bad weather, although the cause has not been confirmed."
Probably is one of English's most useful hedges: it expresses confidence without pretending to know the future.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does probably come from?
Probably entered English in the early 17th century, formed from probable with the adverbial suffix -ly. Probable comes from Latin probabilis, derived from probare, meaning “to test,” “prove,” or “approve.” That Latin root is also reflected in probability, provable, and approve.
How probably is actually used
Probably is neutral in register and common in both formal and informal English. In legal, scientific, and technical contexts, it can be too vague when a precise probability or stronger qualification is required.
Easily confused with probably
Probably expresses a greater-than-even likelihood, whereas possibly indicates that something could happen but may not.