probable

[ˈprɒbəbl]

probable Definition

likely to happen or be true.

Using probable: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "probable" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    It is probable that it will rain tomorrow.

  • Example

    The most probable cause of the accident was human error.

  • Example

    The probable outcome of the election is still uncertain.

  • Example

    It is highly probable that he will be promoted.

probable Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with probable

  • reasonable grounds for suspicion, supported by circumstances sufficiently strong to warrant a prudent and cautious person's belief in the likelihood that certain facts are true

    Example

    The police officer had probable cause to search the suspect's car.

  • the maximum amount of loss that an insurer would be expected to incur on a particular policy or portfolio of policies with a given level of probability over a specified time period

    Example

    The insurance company calculated the probable maximum loss for the property and determined the premium accordingly.

  • an estimate of the amount by which a statistical or other result might differ from the true value

    Example

    The probable error of the measurement was within acceptable limits.

Origins of probable

from Latin 'probabilis', meaning 'worthy of approval, pleasing, agreeable, acceptable, credible'

📌

Summary: probable in Brief

The term 'probable' [ˈprɒbəbl] refers to something that is likely to happen or be true. It is often used to describe situations where there is a high degree of certainty, such as 'It is probable that it will rain tomorrow.' 'Probable' can also be used in phrases like 'probable cause,' which refers to reasonable grounds for suspicion, and 'probable maximum loss,' which is the maximum amount of loss an insurer would expect to incur. Synonyms include 'likely' and 'credible,' while antonyms include 'improbable' and 'unlikely.'

How do native speakers use this expression?