Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Probative /prōb-āt'-ĭv/ · Pro·ba·tive · IPA /ˈproʊ.bə.tɪv/ 01 a. Serving for trial or proof; probationary; as, probative judgments; probative evidence. 1. Serving for trial or proof; probationary; as, probative judgments; probative evidence.