I. ˈpräbəbəl, in rapid speech sometimes -bbəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin probabilis, from probare to try, test, approve, prove + -abilis -able — more at prove
1.
a. : that is based on or arises from adequate fairly convincing though not absolutely conclusive intrinsic or extrinsic evidence or support
a probable hypothesis
a probable conclusion
b. : that can reasonably and fairly convincingly be accepted as true, factual, or possible without being undeniably so
something else will seem more probable later on — Elmer Davis
indicate the probable course of events — G.L.Dickinson
pointed to him as the probable author of the book
c. : that reasonably and fairly convincingly establishes something as true, factual, or possible but not with absolute conclusiveness
advanced some highly probable evidence
2. archaic : capable of being proved : demonstrable
neither proved nor probable — George Grote
3. : that almost certainly is or will prove to be something indicated
seems to be a probable candidate
Synonyms:
possible , likely : probable applies to that which is so supported by evidence that is adequate although not conclusive or by reason that it is worthy of belief or acceptance
the probable cause of the explosion
his actual condition or his probable future — George Grote
far from being a madman's dream, he concluded with alarm that Burr's chance of success was uncomfortably probable — Hervey Allen
in the light of the parallels which I have adduced the hypothesis appears legitimate, if not probable — J.G.Frazer
possible refers to that which is within the limit of what may happen or of what a person or thing may do, although it may not seem probable
to give up the possible saving of millions for the immediate saving of thousands — Sinclair Lewis
the stability statesmen talk about would be possible, there could be a new order based on vital harmony, and the earthly millennium might approach — E.M.Forster
likely applies to what seems to be true or to be as alleged, suggested, or represented, the chances being considerably in favor of the thing or person being as indicated
a dearth of factual information to guide them in the choice of a likely locale for their operations — K.E.Read
must the Middle East continue to be a likely field for the workings of Communist pressure — H.L.Hoskins
II. noun
( -s )
: something probable:
a. : a probable situation, circumstance, or event
distinguish between certainties, almost certainties, probables, and possibles — S.A.B.Mercer
b. : a probable participant or candidate
looked over the list of probables that might be up for reelection
c. : an almost certainly destroyed airplane, ship, or other object of attack
claimed thirteen kills, nine probables — Wirt Williams