Word
probably
Phoneticsprob·a·bly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɑbəˌbɫi/
UK/pɹˈɒbəbli/
日本語多分※
Sentence adverb
Definition
adv. used to say that something is very likely to happen or be true. You use it when you are almost certain but not one hundred percent sure.
adv. used to indicate a high degree of likelihood or probability. Functions as a modal adverb to qualify the certainty of a statement.
Examples
“I will probably stay home tonight.”
“If the weather stays this clear, we will probably reach the mountain summit by noon.”
“The researchers concluded that the unusual data points were probably caused by a minor calibration error in the sensor rather than a new physical phenomenon.”
Examples
simple
“I will probably stay home tonight.”
contextual
“If the weather stays this clear, we will probably reach the mountain summit by noon.”
complex
“The researchers concluded that the unusual data points were probably caused by a minor calibration error in the sensor rather than a new physical phenomenon.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “probably” in context.
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb but after the first auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
Pitfall
Probably I will go.
I will probably go.
In neutral English, this adverb usually sits in the mid-position (before the verb) rather than at the start of the sentence.
Etymology
From Middle English probably, probabily, equivalent to probable + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/probably
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0