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
very probably

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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

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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.

Held on Sunday, June 15, Father’s Day 2025 will likely mark a milestone for both heartfelt celebrations and retail success.

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California would likely be unable to raise the commercial rates to the level of the Medi-Cal ones, because state law constrains the legislature’s ability to do so.

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Even if your scores do dip because of a closure, the impact is likely to be short-lived if you continue using credit responsibly.

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And that was a pretty good barometer for getting an interesting story that was likely to still be topical in a year.

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That was found during a post-mortem and subsequent tests have suggested that was the likely cause of her death, he said.

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Related 51�Թ�s

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fair��
feasible��
inclined��
possible��
prone��
reasonable��

likelihood likely as not

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