“Possible” vs. “Probable”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “possible” and “probable”

  • The key difference between "possible" and "probable" is the level of certainty associated with each term.
  • "Possible" suggests that something could happen or exist, but there is no guarantee or likelihood of it happening.
  • "Probable," on the other hand, indicates that something is likely to happen or be true than other possible outcomes.
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What is the definition of “possible” and “probable”?

Possible
  • "Possible" means that something can happen or exist, but it is not certain.
  • It refers to things that are within the realm of potential or within reach of a person's ability.
  • A possible outcome or solution may or may not occur, depending on certain variables or circumstances.
Probable
  • "Probable" indicates that something is likely to happen or be true based on available evidence or past experience.
  • It implies a higher level of confidence or assurance than possible.
  • A probable scenario or conclusion is one that has a greater chance of occurring or being accurate than other possibilities.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Possible” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Possible
6,090,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. It is possible that she will arrive early for the meeting.
  2. With proper planning, it is possible to complete the project within the deadline.
  3. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the experiment.
Probable
495,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. It is probable that it will rain later this afternoon.
  2. The doctor said it is probable that the patient will recover soon.
  3. Based on his skill set, it is probable that he will get the job.
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