probable — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Likely or most likely to be true.

   Examples

   It's probable that it will rain tomorrow.

   The probable source of the failure was the mass of feathers in the intake manifold.

   More examples (1)

   A major accident and embezzlement of its funds seem to have been the only disasters it escaped; and as to the latter, the most probable reason is that it never had any quantity of funds worth embezzling.

2. Likely to happen.

   Examples

   With all the support we have, success is looking probable.

3. Supporting, or giving ground for, belief, but not demonstrating.

   Examples

   probable evidence

   From an examination of the Teutonic words for "temple" Grimm has made it probable that amongst the Germans the oldest sanctuaries were natural woods.

4. Capable of being proved.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

Noun

1. Something that is likely.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Four of the 32 251 Ku aircraft turned back, but the other 28 fought for 20 minutes against a reported 100 enemy aircraft, claiming 18 destroyed and five probables.

2. A person who is likely to appear or do a certain thing.

Adjective

1. likely but not certain to be or become true or real

   Antonyms

   improbable

   Examples

   a likely result

   he foresaw a probable loss

2. apparently destined

   Examples

   the probable consequences of going ahead with the scheme

Noun

1. an applicant likely to be chosen

   Broader terms

   applicantapplier