Probable Evidence C Adjective Probare Prove Hypothesis True

prob·a·ble

I

\\ˈprä-bə-bəl, ˈprä(b)-bəl\\ adjective1. supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof
    a probable hypothesis
2. establishing a probability
    probable evidence
3. likely to be or become true or real
    probable events

II

noun: one that is probable

probable
  late 14c., from O.Fr. probable (14c.), from L. probabilis "provable," from probare "to try, to test" (see prove). Probable cause as a legal term is attested from 1670s.

☞ probable
prob·able / 5prCbEbl; NAmE 5prB:b- / adjective   likely to happen, to exist or to be true
   很可能发生(或存在等)的:
   the probable cause / explanation / outcome
   可能的原因/解释/结果
    highly / quite / most probable
   极其/相当/最可能的
    It is probable that the disease has a genetic element.
   这种疾病很可能有遗传因素。
⇨ compare

improbable

noun    ~ (for sth) (especially BrE) a person or an animal that is likely to win a race or to be chosen for a team
   可能获胜的人(或动物)；可能入选者

probable adj.

prob·a·ble
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
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 :
 < 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:
 , : 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 >
  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 >
  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 >

---

Search result show the entry is found in: , or , or