likely
Americanadjective
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probably or apparently destined (usually followed by an infinitive).
something not likely to happen.
-
seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable.
a likely story.
-
seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable.
a likely place for a restaurant.
- Synonyms:
- appropriate
-
showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising.
a fine, likely young man.
adverb
adjective
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(usually foll by an infinitive) tending or inclined; apt
likely to rain
-
probable
a likely result
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believable or feasible; plausible
-
appropriate for a purpose or activity
-
having good possibilities of success
a likely candidate
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dialect attractive, agreeable, or enjoyable
her likely ways won her many friends
adverb
-
probably or presumably
-
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
Etymology
Origin of likely
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English likli, from Old Norse līkligr; like 1, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The technology is likely to lead to breakthroughs in health, material science, longevity and other realms, he has said.
Middle Eastern economies will likely suffer the most damage.
The deputy first minister has said a registration scheme is likely to be launched for people from Northern Ireland living in the Middle East.
From BBC
They will likely travel to Celtic Park and Edinburgh rivals Hibernian's Easter Road after the split and host Rangers, who beat them at Ibrox earlier this month.
From BBC
The US military will likely have had some warning of the attack and taken precautions to evacuate personnel.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
