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; see like ¹, -ly

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Explanation

If something's probably true, it's likely. When you walk in the rain, it's likely that your shoes will get wet. Likely is an adjective that's perfect for describing things you can imagine happening, such as the likely destination of next summer's vacation. Any time that something is in the cards, or bound to happen, you can explain that it's likely to happen. Though it's rarely used this way today in American English, one meaning of likely since the 15th century has been "good looking or attractive."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

likely likelier likeliest

Several of his claimed children were not actually his, and one of them likely never existed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026

The incident that is likely to lead to an inquest at Ferrari came on the first lap.

From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026

It reminds me that cult experts will tell you that any of us could fall into the clutches of a cult, and those of us who argue otherwise are likely among the most vulnerable.

From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2026

Morningstar analyst William Kerwin told MarketWatch that Ternus would likely offer continuity for the company on his first call, as he settles into the CEO job after Tim Cook’s 15-year tenure in the role.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 1, 2026

By the time he met Maggie Fox, Dr. Elisha Kent Kane’s name had appeared in the country’s newspapers and magazines hundreds, likely thousands, of times.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Mainers tend to be socially liberal and are 10 percentage points likelier to be religiously unaffiliated than the national average.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

Raj Chetty, John Friedman and Jonah Rockoff found that students assigned more-effective teachers were likelier to attend college and earned more as adults.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

But plenty of pop stars, from Madonna to Britney Spears, have changed their brand as they age without losing faith from their fans, which means the likelier explanation for Swift’s dip in popularity is financial.

From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026

But on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, users were likelier to stumble across news while doing something else.

From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026

Intelligent people are likelier than less intelligent ones to escape those causes of high mortality in traditional New Guinea societies.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Nvidia has not yet explained why the price of a certain graphics card has jumped up 87%, but memory is the likeliest driver.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

It’s considered in the climate community to be the likeliest proposal for offsetting about 1 degree Celsius of planetary warming that computer models attribute to accumulated emissions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

Currently, the likeliest answer, by some distance, is Manchester United.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

Film critic Amy Nicholson and film editor Joshua Rothkopf discuss the festival’s muted American presence, the likeliest awards contenders and more in their Cannes preview.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026

‘That’s indeed the likeliest explanation,’ Inspector Pearce said.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd

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Related Words

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

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