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 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

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.

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 penacho, experts say, was likely among the Mexican booty that the conquering Spanish dispatched back across the Atlantic.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Blitz isn’t alone in his concerns about the likely path of inflation beyond 2025.

Read more on MarketWatch

“The impact likely would have been minimal had the speculative funds not held these large long positions.”

Read more on MarketWatch

The research, involving data from more than one million participants, found that people with genetic traits that naturally reduce cholesterol are less likely to develop dementia.

Read more on Science Daily

Researchers say the artwork is likely to be of Thomas James, who came from Montserrat in the Caribbean and served with the 18th Light Dragoons.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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