B2adjective2K

Probable

UK /["/ˈprɒbəbl/"]/US /["/ˈprɑːbəbl/"]/

Definition

likely to happen, to exist or to be true

In simple words: likely to happen or be true

Examples

  • the probable cause/explanation/outcome
  • **highly/quite/most probable**
  • **It is probable that** the disease has a genetic element.
  • The two outcomes are equally probable.
  • The probable cause of the fire was an electrical fault.
  • It is quite probable that they will call an election next spring.

Usage notes

Used to indicate a strong likelihood of something occurring. Common in both spoken and written English. Avoid in very informal contexts where simpler words may suffice.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'probable' as 'probably able' to happen.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • highly
  • very
  • increasingly

Synonyms

  • likely
  • feasible
  • possible
  • expected
  • foreseeable

Antonyms

  • improbable
  • unlikely

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'probably' which indicates uncertainty.
  • Used with incorrect verb forms, e.g., 'probable that it rains' instead of 'probable it will rain'.