LIKELY Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

likely

[ lahyk-lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

likelier, likeliest.

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:
showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising:
a fine, likely young man.

adverb

probably:
We will likely stay home this evening.

likely

/ ˈ��ɪ��ɪ /

adjective

usually foll by an infinitive tending or inclined; apt
likely to rain
probable
a likely result
believable or feasible; plausible
appropriate for a purpose or activity
having good possibilities of success
a likely candidate
dialect.
attractive, agreeable, or enjoyable
her likely ways won her many friends

adverb

probably or presumably
as likely as not
very probably

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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.

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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

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of likely¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English likli, from Old Norse ��ī��; like ¹, -ly

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of likely¹

C14: from Old Norse ��ī��

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

And as a result, he threw just one of his 28 splitters from behind in the count — when hitters are more likely to take the late-breaking, knuckleball-esque offering for a ball.

From

He said that firefighters are "working very hard in tough conditions to protect the properties which are closest to the fire", adding that the operation will likely continue into Sunday morning.

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The way the NHS in Wales is led is also likely be streamlined – with the aim of making it simpler and more accountable – just two years after previous changes.

From

Your husband’s Social Security spousal benefit likely was reduced because of the government pension offset.

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If Ukraine falls, what rights its LGBTQ+ residents have will most likely fall with it.

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