likely

[ lahyk-lee ]

adjective

, like·li·er, like·li·est.

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. as likely as not
   very probably

Usage Note

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. apt, liable.

Usage

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 first test of McDonnell’s approach as chief is likely to be MacArthur Park, where crime, gang activity, homelessness and drug use have festered.

From Los Angeles Times

His cruel efforts to ban individuals from a number of Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States became official policy that is likely to be restored on day one.

From Slate

Mass deportations would also likely trigger another round of inflation—the Peterson report believes that it could add up to 3 percent on top of whatever the baseline is.

From Slate

It may be that Adkins is a long shot: The case will likely end at the Idaho Supreme Court, which already seemed to reject constitutional arguments against its state law.

From Slate

They and the physician plaintiffs seek to establish that Idaho’s law allows an abortion whenever a patient has a physical medical condition or complication that makes it unsafe to continue a pregnancy, has a condition exacerbated by pregnancy that can’t otherwise be easily treated, or is told about a fetal condition that is likely to be fatal after birth.

From Slate

Related Words

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