Probably

/ˈprɒbəbli/

Spanish Translation

probablemente

Part of Speech

  • adverb

Word Forms

  • probable
  • improbable
  • probability

Etymology

From probable + -ly.

De probable + -mente.

Meanings

adverb

In all likelihood; very possibly.

Con toda probabilidad; muy posiblemente.

It will probably rain tomorrow.

Probablemente lloverá mañana.

Example Sentences

I will probably go to the store later.

Probablemente vaya a la tienda más tarde.

He is probably busy right now.

Probablemente esté ocupado ahora mismo.

They will probably arrive late.

Probablemente lleguen tarde.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Phrases

  • highly probable
    altamente probable
  • not probably
    no probablemente
  • it is probably
    es probable que

Idioms

  • When pigs fly (used to express something that will never happen)
    Cuando las ranas críen pelo (used to express something that will never happen)
  • Once in a blue moon (very rarely)
    De Pascuas a Ramos (very rarely)
  • Don't count your chickens before they hatch (don't make plans based on something that might not happen)
    No vendas la piel del oso antes de cazarlo (don't make plans based on something that might not happen)
  • It's raining cats and dogs (raining heavily)
    Está lloviendo a cántaros (raining heavily)
  • Break a leg! (good luck)
    ¡Mucha suerte!

Proverbs

  • Better safe than sorry.
    Más vale prevenir que lamentar.
  • Look before you leap.
    Antes de hacer algo, míralo bien.
  • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
    Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.
  • Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
    No pongas todos los huevos en la misma cesta.
  • Haste makes waste.
    Vísteme despacio que tengo prisa.

Usage Notes

Used to express a degree of certainty less than 'certainly' but more than 'possibly'.

Se utiliza para expresar un grado de certeza menor que 'ciertamente' pero mayor que 'posiblemente'.

Notes for Learners

  • Pay attention to the pronunciation. The stress is on the first syllable.

    Presta atención a la pronunciación. El acento está en la primera sílaba.

  • Use 'probably' cautiously. Overuse can make you sound indecisive.

    Usa 'probablemente' con precaución. El uso excesivo puede hacerte sonar indeciso.

  • Remember that 'probably' implies a higher degree of likelihood than 'possibly'.

    Recuerda que 'probablemente' implica un mayor grado de probabilidad que 'posiblemente'.

Collocations

  • probably be
    probablemente ser
  • very probably
    muy probablemente
  • most probably
    lo más probable

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing 'probably' with 'possibly'.

    Confundir 'probablemente' con 'posiblemente'.

  • Mispronouncing the word.

    Pronunciar mal la palabra.

  • Using 'probably' when 'certainly' is more appropriate.

    Usar 'probablemente' cuando 'ciertamente' es más apropiado.

Learning Tips

  • Use 'probably' to soften statements and avoid sounding too assertive.

    Usa 'probablemente' para suavizar las declaraciones y evitar sonar demasiado asertivo.

  • Consider using synonyms like 'likely' or 'presumably' for variety.

    Considera usar sinónimos como 'posiblemente' o 'presumiblemente' para variar.

  • Be mindful of the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

    Ten en cuenta el contexto y el grado de certeza que quieres transmitir.