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

Financial terms of the agreement were not released but it will likely make her among the best-paid players in the NWSL.

From Los Angeles Times

The American political divide has grown into a bottomless chasm; fall too deeply inside, and it’s likely you may never come out.

From Salon

Unless the Blues and Sterling reach an agreement over a severance package for the £30m remaining on his contract, the earliest we are likely to see the England international play first-team football again is January.

From BBC

And while he’s popular in the clubhouse, he’ll likely remain an interim manager until a decision is made on a full-time replacement for Black this fall.

From Los Angeles Times

Viruses can mutate to escape from antibodies, but the mRNA vaccines are not causing the emergence of more virulent strains, likely for at least two reasons.

From Salon

Related Words

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