[often with clause]likely to be the case or to happen 可能发生的;或然的 it is probable that the economic situation will deteriorate further. 经济形势可能会进一步恶化。 the probable consequences of his action. 他的行为可能导致的后果。
noun
a person who is likely to become or do something, especially one who is likely to be chosen for a team 有希望入选的人(尤指成为队员) Merson and Wright are probables. 默森和赖特很有希望成为队员。 ■an aircraft recorded as likely to have been shot down 可能被击落的飞机
语源
late Middle English (in the sense 'worthy of belief'): via Old French from Latin probabilis, from probare 'to test, demonstrate'