wahrscheinlich

Wahrscheinlich is a German word that functions as both an adverb and an adjective, meaning “likely” or “probable.” It is derived from the noun Wahrscheinlichkeit (probability) with the suffix -lich, forming an adjective that can describe a noun or express probability in predicative or adverbial use.

As an adverb, wahrscheinlich modifies the whole clause to express likelihood. Examples include: Es kommt wahrscheinlich morgen. Er ist wahrscheinlich müde. In these cases it does not take a separate article and often appears at the beginning or before the finite verb.

As an attributive or predicative adjective, wahrschein­lich can describe a noun or appear after a linking verb. For example: eine wahrscheinliche Lösung, das ist wahrscheinlich. When used attributively before a noun, it declines like a regular adjective: eine wahrscheinliche Lösung, zwei wahrscheinlichere Optionen, die wahrscheinlichste Erklärung.

Comparative and superlative forms are common: wahrscheinlicher (more probable) and am wahrscheinlichsten (most probable). The word also pairs with related terms that express nuance of certainty, such as vermutlich (perhaps, presumed) and voraussichtlich (expected, forecasted).

Nuance and usage notes: wahrschein­lich tends to indicate general probability and is widely used in spoken and written German. Ver Stamm uses: vermutlich implies a stronger inference from evidence, while voraussichtlich emphasizes anticipation or forecast. In formal contexts, precision may lead to alternatives like vermutlich oder voraussichtlich, depending on the intended meaning.