probable / likely
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probable / likely
Expresses that something will happen or is the case with a high degree of probability; it is very possible or to be expected.
Er ist noch nicht da, er steckt wahrscheinlich im Stau.
He isn't here yet; he's probably stuck in traffic.
The word is a compound of 'wahr' (true) and 'scheinen' (to seem). Something that is 'wahrscheinlich' (probable/likely) therefore 'seems' to be 'true'. This derivation helps you understand and remember the meaning.
Seine Geschichte scheint wahr zu sein.
His story seems to be true.
As an adverb, 'wahrscheinlich' (probably) usually comes after the conjugated verb (position 3). However, it can also stand in position 1 to emphasize the assumption; then the verb follows directly after it.
Wir werden wahrscheinlich am Wochenende zu Hause bleiben.
We will probably stay home on the weekend.
'Wahrscheinlich' (probable/likely) can stand before a noun as an adjective and is then declined. More often, however, it is used as an unchanging adverb that refers to the whole sentence.
Ein Gewitter ist die wahrscheinliche Ursache für den Stromausfall.
A thunderstorm is the probable cause of the power outage.
probably / well
“Wohl” and “wahrscheinlich” both express a high but not certain probability. “Wahrscheinlich” states this assessment directly, whereas “wohl” presents it more cautiously as the speaker's personal supposition.
Der Zug kommt heute wahrscheinlich zehn Minuten später.
The train will probably arrive ten minutes late today.
Der Zug kommt heute wohl zehn Minuten später.
The train will probably arrive ten minutes late today.
