French word

probable

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁobablə/

Meaning

  • adjectivelikely

Example

C'est un résultat probable.

This is a likely result.

Illustration for probable (likely)

More examples

Il est probable qu'il vienne ce soir.

It is probable that he will come tonight.

Core concept

A result that the evidence favors while uncertainty remains.

Common phrases

  • il est probable que

    it is probable that ___

  • très probable

    very probable

  • estimer probable

    consider ___ likely

Similar words

possible: Capable of happening in reality.
vraisemblable: Believable as true given the available information or circumstances.
éventuel: Possible as a future event.

Definition in French

Se dit de ce qui semble vraisemblable selon les éléments disponibles, sans affirmation certaine.

Word origin

The French adjective probable developed from Latin probabilis through Old French and retained its connection with probare, meaning to test or prove.

Usage tips

  • The final e of probable is silent in French, and the word ends with the consonant sound heard in -bl, unlike common English pronunciation.

Other meanings

  • plausibleadjective

Opposites

  • improbableunlikelyadjective
  • certaincertainadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word