belike

American

[bih-lahyk] / bɪˈlaɪk /

adverb

Archaic.

very likely; perhaps; probably.

belike British

/ bɪˈlaɪk /

adverb

archaic perhaps; maybe

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of belike

First recorded in 1525–35; be- + like ¹

Vocabulary lists containing belike

"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 3

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

belike

When I look at the quiet forest I wonder what it will belike to live there, to build houses and create a settlement.

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone

"But we'll have time enough for - that. You'll be wanting to sleep beneath my roof, belike, and eat me out of pigs."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

He'd run of an errand belike in the mornin' and does be sthrivin' to make himself useful.

From Vignettes of Manhattan; Outlines in Local Color by Brander Matthews

Ah, "Good Roland," gallants breed not i' the sun; they thrive best belike i' the moonbeams. roland.

From The Legendary and Poetical Remains of John Roby author of 'Traditions of Lancashire', with a sketch of his literary life and character by John Roby

And if belike this last one feebly rang, Honor and pride would cast it to the floor Facing the judge with what was done before.

From Chimneysmoke by Christopher Morley

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023