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REFERENCE

probable

adj. · n.
US //ˈpɹɑbəbəɫ// UK //pɹˈɒbəbəl// prob·a·ble
  1. 1 likely to be true (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    likely to be true or to have happened based on the evidence.

    supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof.

    Example

    The most probable cause of the fire was an old heater.

    Example

    Given the available forensic evidence, the most probable explanation is that the document was altered after it was signed.
  2. 2 likely to happen (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    expected to happen in the future.

    having a high probability of occurring.

    Example

    It is probable that the price of petrol will go up next month.

    Example

    Economists suggest that a modest recovery is probable by the third quarter, provided that interest rates remain stable.
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  1. 3 a likely candidate (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a person who is expected to be chosen for a team or a job.

    a person considered likely to achieve a certain status, such as selection for a sports team.

    Example

    After the final practice, he was listed as a probable for the national team.

    Example

    The coach spent the afternoon narrowing down the list of probables, eventually selecting twenty players for the summer tour.
  2. 4 a likely event (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    something that is very likely to occur.

    an event or outcome that is highly likely to happen.

    Example

    In the world of business, we must plan for every probable.

    Example

    The risk assessment team moved the project from the category of 'possibles' to 'probables' following the latest market survey.
Origin

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.

Word family

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