Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
probable — [ prɔbabl ] adj. • 1380; proubable « qu on peut prouver » 1285; lat. probabilis, de probare I ♦ 1 ♦ Vx Relig. Opinion probable : opinion fondée sur des raisons sérieuses quoique non décisives. ⇒ probabilisme (1o). 2 ♦ Mod. Qui, sans être… … Encyclopédie Universelle
probable — probable, possible, likely are comparable when they mean not now certain but such as may be, or may become, true, real, or actual. Something probable has so much evidence in its support or seems so reasonable that it commends itself to the mind… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
Probable — Prob a*ble, a. [L. probabilis, fr. probare to try, approve, prove: cf. F. probable. See {Prove}, and cf. {Provable}.] [1913 Webster] 1. Capable of being proved. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] 2. Having more evidence for than against; supported by evidence … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
probable — Probable. adj. de tout genre. Qui a apparence de verité, qui paroist fondé en raison. Il n est pas probable que vous luy eussiez fait une promesse, s il vous eust dû de l argent. je ne voy rien de si probable que cela. cette opinion là est… … Dictionnaire de l'Académie française
probable — I adjective apparent, apt, believable, conceivable, conjecturable, credible, feasible, foreseeable, full of promise, indubitable, liable, likely, logical, ostensible, plausible, possible, practicable, presumable, presumptive, promising,… … Law dictionary
probable — (adj.) late 14c., from O.Fr. probable (14c.), from L. probabilis provable, from probare to try, to test (see PROVE (Cf. prove)). Probable cause as a legal term is attested from 1670s … Etymology dictionary
probable — [präb′ə bəl] adj. [ME < MFr < L probabilis < probare, to prove: see PROBE] 1. likely to occur or be; that can reasonably but not certainly be expected [the probable winner] 2. reasonably so, as on the basis of evidence, but not proved… … English World dictionary
probable — [adj] likely to happen apparent, believable, credible, earthly, feasible, illusory, in the cards*, mortal, most likely, odds on*, ostensible, plausible, possible, presumable, presumed, rational, reasonable, seeming; concept 552 Ant. improbable,… … New thesaurus
probable — (Del lat. probabĭlis). 1. adj. Verosímil, o que se funda en razón prudente. 2. Que se puede probar. 3. Dicho de una cosa: Que hay buenas razones para creer que se verificará o sucederá … Diccionario de la lengua española
probable — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ likely to happen or be the case. ► NOUN ▪ a person likely to become or do something. ORIGIN Latin probabilis, from probare to test, demonstrate … English terms dictionary
probable — (pro ba bl ) adj. 1° Qui a une apparence de vérité. Il n est pas probable qu il ait dit cela. • Toute question n est pas susceptible de démonstration ; mais il faut examiner ce qui est le plus probable, non pas pour le croire fermement, mais… … Dictionnaire de la Langue Française d'Émile Littré
