relativement probable
relativement probable
Use it to sound logical and measured when you're fairly sure something will happen.
في 15 ثانية
- Means 'fairly likely' or 'relatively probable' in English.
- Used for logical predictions with a touch of caution.
- Perfect for professional, social, or academic contexts.
المعنى
It describes something that has a good chance of happening, but isn't a total certainty. It's like saying 'fairly likely' when you want to sound a bit more thoughtful or measured.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Discussing the weather with a neighbor
Il est relativement probable qu'il pleuve cet après-midi.
It is relatively probable that it will rain this afternoon.
In a business meeting about a deadline
Un retard est relativement probable vu la situation actuelle.
A delay is relatively probable given the current situation.
Texting a friend about coming to a dinner
C'est relativement probable que je passe vous voir ce soir !
It's relatively probable that I'll drop by to see you tonight!
خلفية ثقافية
The French often avoid 'yes' or 'no' to remain intellectually flexible. This phrase reflects the influence of Cartesian logic, where expressing degrees of certainty is considered a sign of intelligence. It is a staple in French news media and political discourse.
The 'Ment' Ending
When pronouncing `relativement`, remember the 'e' before the 'm' is often very soft or silent in fast speech. It sounds more like 'relativ-man'.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single thing, you might sound a bit indecisive or overly academic. Mix it up with 'sans doute' occasionally.
في 15 ثانية
- Means 'fairly likely' or 'relatively probable' in English.
- Used for logical predictions with a touch of caution.
- Perfect for professional, social, or academic contexts.
What It Means
Relativement probable is your go-to phrase for the 'middle-high' ground of certainty. It sits comfortably between 'maybe' and 'definitely.' When you use it, you are telling someone that the odds are in their favor. However, you are also keeping a small exit door open just in case things go sideways. It is the linguistic equivalent of a shrug combined with a confident nod. You think it will happen, but you aren't betting your house on it.
How To Use It
You will mostly see this phrase following the verb être. For example, C'est relativement probable. You can also use it to describe a specific outcome or event. It functions as an adjective phrase. It is very flexible in its placement. You can drop it at the end of a sentence to qualify a statement. It adds a layer of intellectual polish to your speech. It makes you sound like someone who weighs their options carefully.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in professional settings. Use it during a meeting when discussing project deadlines. It is also perfect for weather discussions, which are a national sport in France. If a friend asks if you are coming to their party, this phrase works well. It shows you intend to go without making a pinky-promise. Use it when you want to sound objective and balanced. It is great for texting when you want to be clear but non-committal.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if you are 100% certain about something. If you say your own birthday is relativement probable, people will think you have amnesia. Also, do not use it for things that are completely impossible. It sounds weird in very high-energy, emotional moments. You wouldn't say 'I love you' is relativement probable to a partner. That is a one-way ticket to the doghouse. Keep it for logical predictions and plans.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on nuance and intellectual modesty. Jumping to conclusions is often seen as a bit gauche or unrefined. By saying something is relativement probable, you are participating in this cultural tradition of 'le juste milieu' (the middle ground). It shows you are a 'cartésien'—a logical thinker. It reflects a society that prefers a well-reasoned 'perhaps' over a loud and empty 'yes.' It is the language of diplomats and philosophers.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more certain, you can use fort probable. If you are feeling less sure, try assez probable. For a very formal vibe, you might hear vraisemblablement. In casual slang, a French person might just say y'a des chances. But relativement probable remains the gold standard for everyday balance. It is the 'Goldilocks' of French probability phrases—not too strong, not too weak.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is safe for almost any situation. It sits in the 'Goldilocks zone' of formality—neither too stiff nor too sloppy.
The 'Ment' Ending
When pronouncing `relativement`, remember the 'e' before the 'm' is often very soft or silent in fast speech. It sounds more like 'relativ-man'.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single thing, you might sound a bit indecisive or overly academic. Mix it up with 'sans doute' occasionally.
The French 'Yes'
In France, a 'yes' is often a 'maybe,' and a 'relativement probable' is often as close to a 'yes' as you will get in a first meeting!
أمثلة
6Il est relativement probable qu'il pleuve cet après-midi.
It is relatively probable that it will rain this afternoon.
A classic way to discuss uncertain weather without being too bold.
Un retard est relativement probable vu la situation actuelle.
A delay is relatively probable given the current situation.
Professional way to manage expectations without sounding alarmist.
C'est relativement probable que je passe vous voir ce soir !
It's relatively probable that I'll drop by to see you tonight!
Casual but polite, showing intent without a 100% guarantee.
Que tu perdes tes clés ? C'est relativement probable, non ?
That you'd lose your keys? It's relatively probable, isn't it?
Using the formal phrase for a silly situation creates a funny contrast.
Un accord entre eux semble désormais relativement probable.
An agreement between them now seems relatively probable.
Used here to express a hopeful but cautious outlook on a relationship.
Une victoire de notre équipe est relativement probable ce week-end.
A victory for our team is relatively probable this weekend.
Expressing fan confidence while acknowledging the risk of sports.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the phrase for a balanced prediction.
Selon les sondages, son élection est ___ probable.
The context of polls suggests a calculated likelihood, making 'relativement' the most natural fit.
Complete the sentence to express that a meeting will likely happen.
C'est ___ probable que la réunion soit annulée.
While 'très' works, 'relativement' provides the nuanced, professional tone often used in French offices.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality and Certainty Scale
Casual and uncertain
Maybe I'll come.
Neutral, logical, and likely
It is fairly likely.
Formal and absolute
It is a certainty.
Where to use 'Relativement Probable'
Office Meeting
Predicting project success
Weather Chat
Predicting rain
Planning with Friends
Confirming attendance
Scientific Discussion
Hypothesizing results
الأسئلة الشائعة
12 أسئلةIt means something is likely to happen, usually based on logic or evidence, but it's not a 100% guarantee.
Yes, probable suggests a higher chance than possible. Adding relativement just tempers that expectation slightly.
Absolutely! It sounds a bit more 'grown-up' than just saying peut-être, but it's perfectly fine for casual talk.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or your baker without sounding out of place.
Plain probable is a bit more direct. Adding relativement adds a layer of caution and nuance.
Yes, you can say C'était relativement probable to mean 'It was fairly likely that it would happen'.
You could use vraisemblable (likely) or assez probable (fairly probable).
Very! It is a favorite for project managers and executives who want to avoid making absolute promises.
Yes, it sounds very natural and sophisticated. It shows you understand the French love for nuance.
Using it for things that are certain. Don't say Il est relativement probable que je m'appelle Jean if your name is Jean.
Focus on the four syllables: re-la-tive-ment. The 'ent' at the end is a nasal sound, like the 'en' in 'encore'.
Not exactly, but you might hear Y'a de fortes chances (There are strong chances) in more informal settings.
عبارات ذات صلة
Vraisemblablement
Selon toute vraisemblance
Il se peut que
Fort probable
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