Sannsynligvis

Sannsynligvis is a Norwegian adverb meaning "most probably" or "likely." It is used to indicate that something is considered highly probable, but not certain. The word is common in both spoken and written Norwegian and can be used in various tenses and moods.

The adverb is used to express probability about present, future, or past events. It can modify verbs or entire clauses: Det vil sannsynligvis regne i kveld. Sannsynligvis kommer de til å utsette møtet. Hun har sannsynligvis tatt feil. The nuance is that sannsynligvis conveys a stronger likelihood than kanskje (maybe) but does not imply guarantee or near certainty as helt sikkert.

Etymology and form: sannsynligvis is a compound formed from sannlig (true, believable) and the adverbial suffix -vis, which is common for forming adverbs in Norwegian. The root sann- relates to truth or plausibility, while -vis marks manner or degree. The word is used across standard Norwegian and is widely understood in formal and informal contexts.

Related terms and alternatives include sannsynlig (adjective, meaning likely) and trolig (likely). Antagelig er another synonym in Norwegian, though usage varies by context and region. Sannsynligvis is typically preferred when the speaker wants to stress a high probability without asserting certainty.

See also: sannsynlig, sannsynlighet, trolig, antagelig.