likely

[lahyk-lee]

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.

adverb

1. probably.

   We will likely stay home this evening.

likely

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of likely¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of likely¹

C14: from Old Norse līkligr

Example Sentences

How likely you think something is to happen depends on what you already believe about the situation.

Read more on Science Daily

Unable to make it to the market, his precious merchandise will likely go to waste.

Read more on Barron's

Growth may be uneven in the coming months and years, and demand is likely to slow next year, Dynan said.

Read more on Barron's

The analysts, led by Jan Hatzius, see a temporary extension of the current tariff pause and minor concessions from both sides as being likely.

Read more on Barron's

The U.S. will likely accelerate its investment in the rare-earth supply chain and limit other dependence on China, while China continues to build self-reliance in key sectors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acceptable 
• expected www.thesaurus.com
• fair 
• feasible 
• inclined 
• possible 
• prone 
• reasonable