prob ‧ a ‧ bly S1 W1 /ˈprɒbəbli $ ˈprɑː-/ BrE AmE adverb
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ probability , ↑ probable ; adverb : ↑ probably ≠ ↑ improbably ; adjective : ↑ probable ≠ ↑ improbable ]
used to say that something is likely to happen, likely to be true etc:
It will probably take about a week.
This would probably be a good time to take a break.
It’s probably the best movie I have ever seen.
[sentence adverb]
‘Are you going to be able to do this?’ ‘Yes, probably.’
‘Is she going to send it back?’ ‘Probably not, no.’
very/most probably
The building will be replaced, most probably by a modern sports centre.
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THESAURUS
▪ probably adverb used when saying that you think something is true or will happen, although it is not completely definite:
He’s probably gone home.
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Rod is probably going to study law.
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‘Is she lying?’ ‘Probably.’
▪ likely adjective probably going to happen or probably true:
The most likely result is a win for the Democrats.
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The price of petrol is likely to rise again this year.
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It is likely that we’ll lose.
▪ it looks as if/it looks like used when saying that the present situation makes you think that something will probably happen or is probably true:
It looks like Greg has been delayed.
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There aren’t any taxis, so it looks as if we’ll have to walk.
▪ may/could/might well used when saying that you think something will probably happen or is probably true:
He may well come back.
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Take an umbrella. It might well rain later on.
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It may well be his last game.
▪ I would/should think spoken ( also I would guess spoken ) used when saying that you think something will probably happen or is probably true, although you are not sure:
‘Will the match still go ahead?' ’Yes, I would think so.’
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I should think she’s about 24 or 25.