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恐らく. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
恐らく, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
恐らく in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
恐らく you have here. The definition of the word
恐らく will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
恐らく, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Japanese
Etymology
Abbreviation of 恐らくは (osoraku wa), itself a contraction of obsolete 恐るらくは (osoruraku wa), composed of 恐る (osoru, “to fear”, obsolete earlier form of modern 恐れる (osoreru)) + らく (-raku, “state, act, or fact of doing”, nominalizing suffix) + は (wa, topic particle). Compare English use of the term afraid, as in the phrases “I'm afraid so”, or “I'm afraid that ...”, to express a sense of probably.
Pronunciation
Adverb
恐らく • (osoraku)
- probably, in all likelihood
Usage notes
- Usually written in hiragana.
- The term osoraku expresses a higher degree of certainty than tabun.
- Often used when predicting a negative outcome.
Synonyms
References