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

The film's success at the Golden Globes - often seen as a prelude to the Academy Awards - will likely stoke Oscar buzz.

From BBC

U.S. inflation data for December will likely be the highlight of the week as investors continue to gauge the likely timing and extent of further interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is also possible, and maybe more likely, that Toulouse move into a home knockout spot behind Glasgow if McCall's side lose.

From BBC

Dr Langlands, Co-Director of Swansea University's Centre for Heritage Research and Training, described it as a "really impressive and prestigious" building, likely to have been finely decorated with statues and mosaic floors.

From BBC

Doing the math is somewhat difficult, he conceded, since credit-card companies likely wouldn’t sit still and would probably put in place new fees to help make up for lost revenue and earnings.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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