Likely Definition
līklē
likelier, likeliest
adjective
likelier, likeliest
Apparently true to the facts; credible; probable.
A likely cause.
Webster's New World
Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable.
They are likely to become angry with him.
American Heritage
Within the realm of credibility; plausible.
Not a very likely excuse.
American Heritage
Seeming as if it would happen or might happen; reasonably to be expected; apparently destined.
It is likely to rain.
Webster's New World
Such as will probably be satisfactory or rewarding; suitable.
A likely choice for the job.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
adverb
Probably.
She will very likely go.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
noun
Something or somebody considered likely.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
Other Word Forms of Likely
Noun
Singular:
likelyPlural:
likeliesAdjective
Base Form:
likely
Comparative:
likelierSuperlative:
likeliestOrigin of Likely
-
Middle English likly from Old English gelīclīc (from gelīc similar) and from Old Norse līkligr (from līkr similar) līk- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old Norse líkligr, from líkr (“like, similar").
From Wiktionary
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