Does probable mean more likely than not?
Asked by: Yolanda Mills | Last update: November 13, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (34 votes)
If there is a 10% chance of rain today, it is possible that it will rain. It could rain, but there is a 90% chance that it will not rain. If something is probable, there is a good chance that it will happen, but it is not certain. If there is a 90% chance of rain today, it is probable [=it is likely] that it will rain.
Is probable the same as likely?
Likely is informal, non-technical and is 'loosely' defined, whereas probable is formal, well-defined and preferred in technical writing. Also, there's a significant difference in implication between the words' standalone use and in combination with other words.
Is probable cause more likely than not?
Similarly, to arrest persons, the court must find that there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that it is more likely than not that the person to be arrested committed the offense.
Does "probable" mean "most likely"?
' We can think of 'probable' as 'very likely. ' If something is 'likely' then it has around a 50% (and up) chance of happening or being true. Therefore, if something is probable then it is likely but if something is likely it doesn't mean it's probable.
What does it mean if someone is probable?
Definition of 'probable'
3. a person who is probably to be chosen for a team, event, etc. Word origin. C14: via Old French from Latin probābilis that may be proved, from probāre to prove.
likely = probably
Does "probable" mean yes or no?
It simply suggests that there is a non-zero chance for it to happen. When something is described as probable, it indicates a higher level of likelihood or certainty compared to what is merely possible.
Is probable more than possible?
Possible means "able to be done; able to happen or exist." Probable means "likely to happen or be true but not certain." If something is possible, it can happen. But possible does not mean that something will happen for certain or even that it is very likely to happen.
Is probably stronger than likely?
Probably indicates more doubt or less nearness. It refers to the occurrence of future events. I'll probably be home on Sunday.
What is a word for "not likely"?
absurd implausible improbable inconceivable incredible rare remote strange unbelievable.
Is probable more likely than questionable?
Their stated purpose is that "probable" should mean roughly a 75% chance of playing, "questionable" 50%, and "doubtful" 25%.
How does the court define probable cause?
Courts usually find probable cause when there is a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed (for an arrest) or when evidence of the crime is present in the place to be searched (for a search ). Under exigent circumstances , probable cause can also justify a warrantless search or seizure .
What is the meaning of more probable than not?
More probable than not means that upon consideration of all of the relevant evidence and materials, a preponderance of the evidence and materials supports the finding.
How long can you be held on probable cause?
Most states allow prosecutors up to 72 hours after an arrest to file charges, although some states, like California, allow only 48 hours. If the prosecutor fails to bring charges within this time limit, the court has to release you.
What percentage is probable?
While a numeric standard for probable does not exist, practice generally considers an event that has a 75% or greater likelihood of occurrence to be probable. A provision must be probable to be recognized. Probable is interpreted as more likely than not (i.e., a probability of greater than 50 percent).
What is the difference between likely and probably?
The confusion over these two words stems mostly from people's use of 'likely' to mean 'probably'. ''Likely'' can be an adverb as well, but its distinguishing feature is that it often acts as an adjective, a function 'probably' cannot perform.
What is the closest meaning of probable?
likely but not certain to be or become true or real. “he foresaw a probable loss” synonyms: likely.
What is the synonym of the word "probable"?
Synonyms of 'probable' in British English
This claim seems perfectly credible to me. That explanation seems entirely plausible to me. The deal was not economically feasible. She is the odds-on favourite to win the contest.
Is unlikely the same as not likely?
In many contexts, they are the same or similar in meaning: It is not likely that the Prime Minister will resign. Similarly in your example, the meanings are very similar. As an interjection, "Not likely!" is the idiom and means "I certainly won't (do something) It's informal (and British?)
What word can I use instead of likely?
- plausible.
- probable.
- credible.
- possible.
- compelling.
- presumptive.
- believable.
- reasonable.
Is probably more of a yes or no?
It is NOT A FIRM “YES" - it MEANS MAYBE/PROBABLY. But, if you don't understand the words, maybe a percentage or numbers will help you, for example 90% or 50/50 chance. Clearly, not a certain “yes.” “Probably,” means there is a good chance, but it is not a definite “yes!”
Is probably a strong word?
You can use probably when you want to make your opinion sound less forceful or definite, so that you do not offend people.
What does more probable mean?
[more probable; most probable] : likely to happen or to be true but not certain. a probable result/explanation. His account of what happened is more probable than not.
Can something be possible but not probable?
The main difference between probable and possible lies in the degree of likelihood. Probable implies there is a good chance something will occur, often backed by evidence or logical reasoning. Possible, however, suggests that an event could theoretically happen, but does not assess its probability.