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

The inflation measure used - the Retail Price Index minus mortgage payments, or RPIx - is likely to be the one used for next year's and future increases.

Read more on BBC

He said neglect was likely to have contributed to her death.

Read more on BBC

Sadat said Ghares was tried on charges of "insulting a state institution" and "spreading false or malicious information likely to harm public order or security".

Read more on Barron's

Concerns over the impact of higher tariffs and the strength of the U.S. economy have also had an impact, likely prompting employers to be more cautious about hiring.

Read more on Barron's

Its own performance will likely partly depend on whether Microsoft and Meta convince the stock market that big spending on AI is powering returns.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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