Provable vs. Probable — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024
Provable emphasizes the capability of being demonstrated as true or valid through evidence, while probable focuses on likelihood or the chance of occurrence without certainty.
Difference Between Provable and Probable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Provable refers to something that can be verified or confirmed through evidence or logical reasoning, indicating a definitive conclusion. Whereas probable pertains to something that is likely to happen or be true, but lacks the same level of certainty and cannot be confirmed until it actually occurs.
In the realm of science and mathematics, provable facts or theorems are those that have been rigorously tested and validated through experiments or logical proof. On the other hand, probable theories or hypotheses are considered likely based on available evidence but are yet to be definitively proven.
In legal contexts, a provable claim is one that can be substantiated with evidence and is therefore likely to be accepted by a court of law. Conversely, a probable cause in legal terms refers to a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed, but it does not guarantee the outcome of a case.
In everyday language, when someone says something is provable, they mean there is tangible evidence or a clear method to demonstrate its truth. Whereas when something is described as probable, it suggests a high likelihood or expectation based on current knowledge or trends, but without absolute certainty.
It's important to note that while all provable statements are inherently probable (since they can be conclusively proven), not all probable statements are provable due to the varying degrees of certainty and the potential for future evidence to alter current understandings.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Capable of being demonstrated as true or valid through evidence or logical reasoning.
Likely to happen or be true, but not certain.
Basis
Evidence, logical proof, or factual confirmation.
Likelihood, statistical chance, or informed speculation.
Certainty
High level of certainty, leading to definitive conclusions.
Moderate to high level of likelihood, but without absolute certainty.
Contexts
Often used in scientific, mathematical, and legal discussions.
Common in everyday language, forecasting, and speculative discussions.
Nature
Conclusive and definitive.
Speculative and contingent on future developments.
Compare with Definitions
Provable
Capable of being confirmed or demonstrated through evidence.
The theorem's correctness is provable through a series of logical steps.
Probable
Likely to occur or be true but not guaranteed.
It's probable that the meeting will conclude before noon.
Provable
Demonstrable in a conclusive manner.
The artist's influence on modern art is provable through analysis of stylistic elements.
Probable
Represents a reasonable expectation based on available data.
It's probable that market trends will continue in this direction.
Provable
Subject to verification by empirical evidence or logical reasoning.
Her hypothesis became provable after extensive testing.
Probable
Characterized by a significant degree of likelihood.
The forecast suggests it's probable we'll have rain tomorrow.
Provable
Confirmed as true or valid beyond doubt.
The connection between smoking and lung cancer is provable.
Probable
Inclined towards a certain outcome based on current trends or information.
Given his track record, it's probable he'll win the election.
Provable
Able to be validated by factual information.
The benefits of the new policy are provable by examining statistical data.
Probable
Supported by evidence or reasoning that suggests a high likelihood.
Given the symptoms, it's probable that the diagnosis is accurate.
Provable
To establish the truth or validity of (something) by the presentation of argument or evidence
The novel proves that the essayist can write in more than one genre. The storm proved him to be wrong in his prediction.
Probable
Likely to happen or to be true
War seemed probable in 1938. The home team, far ahead, is the probable winner.
Provable
To demonstrate the reality of (something)
He proved his strength by doing 50 pushups.
Probable
Likely but uncertain; plausible.
Provable
To show (oneself) to be what is specified or to have a certain characteristic
Proved herself to be a formidable debater.
Proved herself to be worthy of the task.
Probable
(Theology) Of or relating to opinions and actions in ethics and morals for whose lawfulness intrinsic reasons or extrinsic authority may be adduced.
Provable
To establish by the required amount of evidence
Proved his case in court.
Probable
Likely or most likely to be true.
It's probable that it will rain tomorrow.
The probable source of the failure was the mass of feathers in the intake manifold.
Provable
To establish the authenticity of (a will).
Probable
Likely to happen.
With all the support we have, success is looking probable.
Provable
To demonstrate the validity of (a hypothesis or proposition).
Probable
Supporting, or giving ground for, belief, but not demonstrating.
Provable
To verify (the result of a calculation).
Probable
(obsolete) Capable of being proved.
Provable
To subject (a gun, for instance) to a test.
Probable
Something that is likely.
Provable
(Printing) To make a sample impression of (type); proof.
Probable
A person who is likely to appear or do a certain thing.
Provable
(Archaic) To find out or learn (something) through experience.
Probable
Capable of being proved.
Provable
To be shown to be such; turn out
A theory that proved impractical in practice.
A schedule that proved to be too demanding.
Probable
Having more evidence for than against; supported by evidence which 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.
I do not say that the principles of religion are merely probable; I have before asserted them to be morally certain.
Provable
Of a statement or hypothesis that can be proven.
Probable
Rendering probable; supporting, or giving ground for, belief, but not demonstrating; as, probable evidence; probable presumption.
Provable
Capable of being proved; demonstrable.
Probable
An applicant likely to be chosen
Provable
Capable of being demonstrated or proved;
Obvious lies
A demonstrable lack of concern for the general welfare
Practical truth provable to all men
Probable
Likely but not certain to be or become true or real;
A likely result
He foresaw a probable loss
Probable
Apparently destined;
The probable consequences of going ahead with the scheme
Common Curiosities
What does "provable" mean?
Provable refers to something that can be verified or confirmed through evidence or logical reasoning.
Can something be both provable and probable?
Yes, something can be both if it is likely to occur and can be conclusively proven through evidence.
How is "provable" used in legal contexts?
In legal terms, a provable claim is one that can be substantiated with evidence and is likely to be accepted by a court.
Can a hypothesis be provable?
A hypothesis can become provable if it is tested and verified through rigorous scientific methods and evidence.
Is "probable" the same as "possible"?
No, "probable" implies a higher degree of likelihood than "possible," which merely denotes that something can happen without regard to its likelihood.
What role does probability play in scientific research?
Probability helps in assessing the likelihood of hypotheses being true based on evidence, guiding further research and experimentation.
Why is it important to differentiate between "provable" and "probable"?
Distinguishing between the two helps in understanding the level of certainty and the type of evidence supporting a statement or theory.
How does "probable" differ from "provable"?
Probable indicates likelihood or high chance, whereas provable denotes the ability to demonstrate truth or validity through evidence.
Can mathematical theorems be probable?
Mathematical theorems are considered provable when they have been rigorously proven; they are not described in terms of probability.
How does the concept of "probable cause" relate to these terms?
Probable cause, a legal term, refers to a reasonable basis for believing a crime may have been committed, aligning more with the concept of probability than provability.
How do forecasters use the term "probable"?
Forecasters use "probable" to express the likelihood of future events, such as weather, based on models and data.
What makes a fact provable?
A fact is provable when it can be unequivocally confirmed through objective evidence or logical reasoning.
How does one determine if something is provable or just probable?
Determining this involves evaluating the level of evidence available, the method of verification, and the degree of certainty associated with the claim.
Can a theory be both probable and provable?
A theory may start as probable based on initial evidence and become provable as more conclusive evidence is gathered.
Is it correct to say something is "highly probable"?
Yes, "highly probable" is used to indicate a very high likelihood of something happening or being true.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
