likely
[ lahyk-lee ]
/ ˈlaɪk li /
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adjective, like·li·er, like·li·est.
probably or apparently destined (usually followed by an infinitive): something not likely to happen.
seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable: a likely story.
seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable: a likely place for a restaurant.
showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising: a fine, likely young man.
adverb
probably: We will likely stay home this evening.
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Origin of likely
usage note for likely
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.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use likely in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for likely
likely
/ (ˈlaɪklɪ) /
adjective
adverb
probably or presumably
as likely as not very probably
Word Origin for likely
C14: from Old Norse līkligr
usage for likely
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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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