How to Pronounce “probably”

American (US)

/ˈprɑːbəbli/

British (UK)

/ˈprɒbəbli/

adverb — Almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell.

Example: It will probably rain before we get back.

Synonyms: likely, presumably

Where the stress falls. “probably” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈprɑːbəbli/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈprɑːbəbli/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "probably" mean?

probably (adverb): Almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell. For example — It will probably rain before we get back.

How do you pronounce "probably" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈprɑːbəbli/. British English: /ˈprɒbəbli/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "probably"?

/ˈprɑːbəbli/ in American English, /ˈprɒbəbli/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "probably"?

“probably” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈprɑːbəbli/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

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