probable
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.likely to be true or to have happened based on the evidence.
adj.supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof.
Simple“The most probable cause of the fire was an old heater.”
In context“Given the available forensic evidence, the most probable explanation is that the document was altered after it was signed.”
Antonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.expected to happen in the future.
adj.having a high probability of occurring.
Simple“It is probable that the price of petrol will go up next month.”
In context“Economists suggest that a modest recovery is probable by the third quarter, provided that interest rates remain stable.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a person who is expected to be chosen for a team or a job.
n.a person considered likely to achieve a certain status, such as selection for a sports team.
Simple“After the final practice, he was listed as a probable for the national team.”
In context“The coach spent the afternoon narrowing down the list of probables, eventually selecting twenty players for the summer tour.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.something that is very likely to occur.
n.an event or outcome that is highly likely to happen.
Simple“In the world of business, we must plan for every probable.”
In context“The risk assessment team moved the project from the category of 'possibles' to 'probables' following the latest market survey.”
SynonymsAntonyms
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer labels it a probable carcinogen .”
From Middle English probable, from Old French probable, from Latin probābilis (“that may be proved, credible”), from probāre (“to test, examine”); see probe, probity, prove. Compare recent doublet provable.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.