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
   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

A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday showed Graham and Harrison each winning the backing of 48 percent of likely voters in the state.

From Washington Post

If it’s good enough for likely half the cantinas in Mexico, it’s good enough for your Netflix party.

From Eater

Sara Gideon, the Democratic speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, leads Collins, 54 percent to 42 percent, among likely voters in the Quinnipiac University poll, which was released Wednesday.

From Washington Post

Most likely that would be in the form of passage of the Equality Act.

From Washington Blade

Perhaps most notably, a poll released on Tuesday by Monmouth University found Biden up by 3 to 5 points among likely voters, depending on turnout.

From FiveThirtyEight

“I'm deeply suspicious obviously because he went to China,” said the man-most-likely-to-accuse-you-of-being-a-spy, Dick Cheney.

From The Daily Beast

If not, then what happens to his case that Romney would be less-likely to spark a war with Iran?

From The Daily Beast

All these most-likely-innocent people, subjected to such hard looks.

From The Daily Beast

The 50 likely-votes would be targeted by the right and face howling pressure.

From The Daily Beast

Hillary Clinton and John Edwards seemed doomed to risk their presidencies on a likely-to-fail big bang health-care initiative.

From The Daily Beast

But it is no use digging here; it was full five-and-twenty miles from here the likely-looking place.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a likely-lookin' chap enough, but very dark-complected an' sallow-like, with a bad eye, showin' a lot o' the white.

From Project Gutenberg

The feller said to him, seein' me drive up: 'That's a putty likely-lookin' hoss.

From Project Gutenberg

My idea is, said David, that we get the Argo and sail round the island till we sight a likely-looking cliff.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a grand place for birds' nests, and we made very slow progress as we poked about, peering into every likely-looking spot.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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