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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)



69 words match “PROBABLE”

PROBABLE a. 3 definitions
h inclines the mind to believe, but leaves some room for doubt; likely. That is accounted probable which has better arguments producible for it than can be brought against it. South. I do not say that the principles of religion are merely probable; I have before asserted them to be morally certain. Bp. Wilkins.…
IMPROBABLE a.
Not probable; unlikely to be true; not to be expected under the circumstances or in the usual course of events; as, an improbable story or event. He . . . sent to Elutherius, then bishop of Rome, an improbable letter, as some of the contents discover. Milton. -- Im*prob"a*ble*ness, n. -- Im*prob"a*bly, adv.…
ABDUCTION n.
A syllogism or form of argument in which the major is evident, but the minor is only probable.
BAROMETER n.
nt for determining the weight or pressure of the atmosphere, and hence for judging of the probable changes of weather, or for ascertaining the height of any ascent.
BENZENE n.
ic compounds are derived. This ring formula is provisionally accepted as representing the probable constitution of the benzene molecule, C6H6, and as the type on which its derivatives are formed.
BIOMETRY n.
Measurement of life; calculation of the probable duration of human life.
CANVASS v.
as, to canvass the votes cast at an election; to canvass a district with reference to its probable vote. I have made careful search on all hands, and canvassed the matter with all possible diligence. Woodward.
CAUTION n.
A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided; prudence in regard to danger; provident care; wariness.
CAUTIOUS a.
Attentive to examine probable effects and consequences of acts with a view to avoid danger or misfortune; prudent; circumspect; wary; watchful; as, a cautious general. Cautious feeling for another's pain. Byron. Be swift to hear; but cautious of your tongue. Watts.
CIRCUMSPECT a.
Attentive to all the circustances of a case or the probable consequences of an action; cautious; prudent; wary.
CONCURRENCE n.
on; combination. We have no other measure but our own ideas, with the concurence of other probable reasons, to persuade us. Locke.
CONJECTURE n.
An opinion, or judgment, formed on defective or presumptive evidence; probable inference; surmise; guess; suspicion. He [Herodotus] would thus have corrected his first loose conjecture by a real study of nature. Whewell. Conjectures, fancies, built on nothing firm. Milton.
CONTEMPLATE v.
To consider or have in view, as contingent or probable; to look forward to; to purpose; to intend. There remain some particulars to complete the information contemplated by those resolutions. A. Hamilton. If a treaty contains any stipulations which contemplate a state of future war. Kent.
CONTINGENCY n.
An event which may or may not occur; that which is possible or probable; a fortuitous event; a chance. The remarkable position of the queen rendering her death a most important contingency. Hallam.
CONVERTIBLE a.
reciprocal; interchangeable. So long as we are in the regions of nature, miraculous and improbable, miraculous and incredible, may be allowed to remain convertible terms. Trench.
D n.
The English letter is from Latin, which is from Greek, which took it from Phoenician, the probable ultimate origin being Egyptian. It is related most nearly to t and th; as, Eng. deep, G. tief; Eng. daughter, G. tochter, Gr. duhitr. See Guide to Pronunciation, sq. root178, 179, 229.
DELIBERATE a.
Weighing facts and arguments with a view a choice or decision; carefully considering the probable consequences of a step; circumspect; slow in determining; -- applied to persons; as, a deliberate judge or counselor. "These deliberate fools." Shak.
DRY a.
Merulius lacrymans), which is sometimes considered the cause of the decay; but it is more probable that the real cause is the decomposition of the wood itself. D. C. Eaton. Called also sap rot, and, in the United States, powder post. Hebert. -- Dry stove, a hothouse adapted to preserving the plants of arid climates. B…
EDIFY v.
ct and improve, especially in moral and religious knowledge; to teach. It does not appear probable that our dispute [about miracles] would either edify or enlighten the public. Gibbon.
ERROR n.
ror will be committed in making a large number of careful measurements of a quantity. -- Probable error. (Mensuration) See under Probable. -- Writ of error (Law), an original writ, which lies after judgment in an action at law, in a court of record, to correct some alleged error in the proceedings, or in the judgment…
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