likely

American  

[lahyk-lee] / ˈlaɪk li /

adjective

likelier, likeliest

1. probably or apparently destined (usually followed by an infinitive).

   something not likely to happen.

2. seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable.

   a likely story.

3. seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable.

   a likely place for a restaurant.

   Synonyms:

   appropriate

4. showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising.

   a fine, likely young man.

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adverb

1. probably.

   We will likely stay home this evening.

likely British  

/ ˈlaɪklɪ /

adjective

1. (usually foll by an infinitive) tending or inclined; apt

   likely to rain

2. probable

   a likely result

3. believable or feasible; plausible

4. appropriate for a purpose or activity

5. having good possibilities of success

   a likely candidate

6. dialect attractive, agreeable, or enjoyable

   her likely ways won her many friends

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adverb

1. probably or presumably

2. very probably

Usage

Likely in the senses “probably destined” and “probably” is often preceded by a qualifying word like very, more, or quite: The board is very likely to turn down the request. The new system will quite likely increase profits. However, despite statements to the contrary in some usage guides, likely in these senses is standard without such a qualifier in all varieties of English: It will likely be a bitter debate. The shipment will likely arrive on Thursday. See also apt, liable.

Likely as an adverb is preceded by another, intensifying adverb, as in it will very likely rain or it will most likely rain. Its use without an intensifier, as in it will likely rain is regarded as unacceptable by most users of British English, though it is common in colloquial US English

Etymology

Origin of likely

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English likli, from Old Norse līkligr; like ¹, -ly

Example Sentences

As a result, shippers are likely to wait until fighting ceases and the international community acts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

In Iran, they are most likely to have been involved in Defensive Counter Air roles to shoot down Iranian drones and cruise missiles.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Third place would leave him uncomfortably close to the bubble, likely needing some defections.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

But these gains are likely to be uneven and will not offset the consequences for inflation, budgets, and food security in Africa, they warned.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

“Between the five of you not a single one thought that maybe this was too dangerous, that it would most likely backfire spectacularly.”

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

Related Words

• acceptable
• expected
• fair
• feasible
• inclined
• possible
• prone
• reasonable