How to pronounce probably
Say it like PRAH-buh-blee. Probably has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRAH).
- PRAH
- buh
- blee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Three syllables: 'PROB-uh-blee'. Avoid squashing it to 'PROB-lee'.
Probably 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.
- bleeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of probably
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: PROB-uh-blee.
What does probably mean?
- In all likelihood.“She probably has arrived by now.”
Where does probably come from?
From Middle English probably, probabily, equivalent to probable + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying probably
How do you pronounce probably?
Say PRAH-buh-blee. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɑbəˌbli/. In British English it is /ˈprɒbəbli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in probably?
Probably has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRAH). Broken into parts: PRAH · buh · blee.
Is probably 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 /ˈprɒbəbli/ (PROB-uh-blee).