How to pronounce probable
Say it like PRAH-buh-bul. Probable has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce probable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRAH
- buh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Probable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of probable
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: PROB-uh-bul.
What does probable mean?
- likely but not certain to be or become true or real“a likely result”“he foresaw a probable loss”
- apparently destined“the probable consequences of going ahead with the scheme”
- an applicant likely to be chosen
Where does probable come from?
From Middle English probable, from Old French probable, from Latin probābilis (“that may be proved, credible”), from probāre (“to test, examine”); see probe, probity, prove.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying probable
How do you pronounce probable?
Say PRAH-buh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɑbəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈprɒbəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in probable?
Probable has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRAH). Broken into parts: PRAH · buh · bul.
Is probable pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈprɒbəbəl/ (PROB-uh-bul).