probable

Where does the word "probable" come from? It comes from Latin probare, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Probable’s story begins in Latin: probare meant “to test, to prove.” The root of 'prove', 'probe' and 'probation'. Within Latin, it grew into probabilis by ancient. Provable, likely, from probare. It reached English by 1400s as probable. Settled as the English word for something likely to happen or be true. Today, probable means likely to be true or to happen.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient probare "to test, to prove", the root of 'prove', 'probe' and 'probation'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient probabilis "provable, likely", provable, likely, from probare.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s probable "likely to happen or be true", settled as the English word for something likely to happen or be true.