waarschijnlijk

Waarschijnlijk is a Dutch word that functions primarily as an adverb meaning "probably" or "likely." It is used to express probability about events or statements. In addition to its adverbial use, waarschijnlijk can also function as an adjective meaning "likely" or "probable" when placed before a noun, as in een waarschijnlijk gevolg (a probable consequence).

Etymology: The term is derived from the idea of an appearance of truth, built from the elements waar ('true') and schijn ('appearance'), with the suffix -lijk forming an adjective meaning "like" or "characteristic of." The related noun is waarschijnlijkheid, meaning "probability" or "likeliness."

Usage and nuance: In main clauses, waarschijnlijk typically precedes the verb: Het zal waarschijnlijk regenen (It will probably rain). It can also appear at the start of a sentence: Waarschijnlijk zal hij komen. While common in both informal and formal contexts, het conveys less certainty than words like zeker (certain). The negation is onwaarschijnlijk ("unlikely"), though in many contexts one would say niet waarschijnlijk or simply twijfelachtig depending on nuance.

Related terms and contrasts: Synonyms include mogelijk ("possible"), vermoedelijk ("presumably"), and de noun vorm waarschijnlijkheid ("probability"). The antonym is onwaarschijnlijk ("unlikely"). Waarschijnlijk is a versatile, frequently used element in Dutch to express probabilistic judgments in everyday language and journalism alike.