probable 🔊
Meaning of probable
Likely to happen or be true, but not certain.
Key Difference
While 'probable' suggests a high likelihood, it still leaves room for doubt, unlike 'certain' which implies no doubt.
Example of probable
- It is probable that the team will win the championship given their current performance.
- Based on the dark clouds, it is probable that it will rain this evening.
Synonyms
likely 🔊
Meaning of likely
Having a high chance of occurring or being true.
Key Difference
'Likely' is slightly more informal and commonly used in everyday speech compared to 'probable,' which can sound more formal or technical.
Example of likely
- She is likely to arrive early for the meeting.
- Given the traffic, it's likely we'll be late.
plausible 🔊
Meaning of plausible
Seeming reasonable or probable, but not necessarily proven.
Key Difference
'Plausible' focuses more on the believability of an idea or explanation, while 'probable' focuses on the likelihood of an event.
Example of plausible
- His explanation for the missing files was plausible but lacked evidence.
- A plausible theory suggests that dinosaurs were wiped out by an asteroid.
possible 🔊
Meaning of possible
Capable of happening or being true, but not certain.
Key Difference
'Possible' has a broader range and includes even low-probability events, whereas 'probable' implies a higher likelihood.
Example of possible
- It's possible to travel to Mars in the future, though it's not easy.
- There's a possible chance of snow next week, but it's unlikely.
credible 🔊
Meaning of credible
Worthy of belief or trust; convincing.
Key Difference
'Credible' often refers to sources or claims that are trustworthy, while 'probable' refers to the likelihood of events.
Example of credible
- The witness gave a credible account of the incident.
- The scientist presented credible evidence supporting the new theory.
expected 🔊
Meaning of expected
Regarded as likely to happen or be the case.
Key Difference
'Expected' implies anticipation based on prior knowledge or patterns, while 'probable' is more neutral about likelihood.
Example of expected
- The expected outcome of the experiment was a success.
- He was expected to win the election due to his popularity.
conceivable 🔊
Meaning of conceivable
Capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.
Key Difference
'Conceivable' emphasizes what can be imagined, while 'probable' focuses on what is likely to occur.
Example of conceivable
- It's conceivable that humans will colonize other planets someday.
- A world without war is conceivable but challenging to achieve.
feasible 🔊
Meaning of feasible
Possible to do easily or conveniently.
Key Difference
'Feasible' often refers to practicality or ease of execution, while 'probable' refers to likelihood.
Example of feasible
- The project is feasible with the current budget and resources.
- It's feasible to complete the construction by next month.
presumable 🔊
Meaning of presumable
Capable of being presumed or taken for granted.
Key Difference
'Presumable' is based on reasonable assumptions, while 'probable' is based on likelihood.
Example of presumable
- Presumable, the CEO will attend the annual meeting.
- The presumable reason for his absence was illness.
odds-on 🔊
Meaning of odds-on
More likely than not to happen or succeed.
Key Difference
'Odds-on' is often used in betting contexts and implies a stronger likelihood than 'probable.'
Example of odds-on
- The odds-on favorite to win the race is the defending champion.
- It's odds-on that the new policy will be approved.
Conclusion
- 'Probable' is a versatile word used to express likelihood without certainty, making it useful in both formal and informal contexts.
- 'Likely' can be used interchangeably in most casual conversations without losing meaning.
- Use 'plausible' when emphasizing the believability of an explanation rather than the likelihood of an event.
- 'Possible' is best when the likelihood is uncertain or lower than what 'probable' suggests.
- 'Credible' should be used when referring to trustworthy sources or claims rather than events.
- 'Expected' works well when referring to outcomes based on patterns or prior knowledge.
- Use 'conceivable' for hypothetical or imaginative scenarios that may not be likely.
- 'Feasible' is ideal for discussing practical or executable plans.
- 'Presumable' fits when making reasonable assumptions.
- 'Odds-on' is perfect for contexts involving predictions or betting, where the likelihood is high.