Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about Probably (AI summary)

In literature, the adverb "probably" is often employed to signal uncertainty, soften assertions, or introduce conjecture without committing to a definitive statement. For instance, authors use it to suggest that an outcome or fact is likely but not guaranteed, as seen when George Eliot notes that "rest would probably cure him" ([1]), or when Tolstoy’s character hints at moral ambiguity with “To do good, probably” ([2]). In historical and scholarly writings, "probably" functions to qualify information that is tentative or based on incomplete evidence, such as when Pliny refers to an obscure writer ([3]) or when structural attributions are made in texts by Adam Smith ([4], [5]). Moreover, in narrative fiction, "probably" helps build a realistic voice, allowing characters and narrators to present their observations as plausible interpretations—whether it’s suggesting that a boat has "probably" left already ([6]) or speculating about a character's actions in a moment of uncertainty ([7]). Overall, its pervasive presence across genres underscores its utility in balancing assertiveness with the reality of interpretative gaps in both fact and fiction.
  1. Rest would probably cure him.
    — from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
  2. “To do good, probably,” said the prince with a twinkle in his eye.
    — from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy
  3. 3230 Probably a writer on geography, of whom no particulars are known.
    — from The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6) by the Elder Pliny
  4. The poor slave, instead of reward would probably meet with much abuse, perhaps with some punishment.
    — from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
  5. The trade to the East Indies, if it were altogether free, would probably absorb the greater part of this redundant capital.
    — from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
  6. The boat has[9] probably[4] left already.[10] 9.
    — from French Conversation and Composition by Harry Vincent Wann
  7. You do what I say—if you don't I'll probably kill you.”
    — from This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy