likely

like·ly

Use likely in a sentence

adjective

The definition of likely is something that has a very high chance, that is probably true or that may be suitable.

An example of something described as likely would be a likely chance for a mugging in a dark alley.
An example of something that would be described as likely is the chance of rain when there are dark clouds in the sky and the weatherman predicted rain.

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"likely." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 23 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/LIKELY>.

APA Style

likely. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23rd, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/LIKELY

likely

adjective

-·lier, -·li·est

apparently true to the facts; credible; probable: a likely cause
seeming as if it would happen or might happen; reasonably to be expected; apparently destined: it is likely to rain
such as will probably be satisfactory or rewarding; suitable: a likely choice for the job
having good prospects; promising: a likely lad
Dial. attractive; agreeable

Origin of likely

Middle English likly, probably aphetic from Old English geliclic (or from uncertain or unknown; perhaps Old Norse likligr): see like and -ly

adverb

-·lier, -·li·est

probably: she will very likely go

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Link to this page

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MLA Style

"likely." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 23 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/LIKELY>.

APA Style

likely. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23rd, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/LIKELY

likely

adjective

like·li·er, like·li·est

Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable: They are likely to become angry with him. See Usage Note at liable.
Within the realm of credibility; plausible: not a very likely excuse.
Apparently appropriate or suitable: There were several likely candidates for the job.
Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome; promising: a likely topic for investigation.
Attractive; pleasant: found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.

adverb

Probably: They'll likely buy a new car soon.

Origin of likely

Middle English likly from Old English gelīclīc ( from gelīc similar ) and from Old Norse līkligr ( from līkr similar ); see līk- in Indo-European roots.

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"likely." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 23 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/LIKELY>.

APA Style

likely. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23rd, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/LIKELY

Adjective

(comparative likelier or more likely, superlative likeliest or most likely)

probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring
Rain is likely later this afternoon.
probable
They are likely to become angry with him.
appropriate, suitable; believable; having a good potential
Jones is a likely candidate for management.
plausible; Within the realm of credibility
not a very likely excuse.
promising; Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome
a likely topic for investigation.
attractive; pleasant
found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
(as predicate, followed by to and infinitive) Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined.
He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.

Adverb

(comparative more likely, superlative most likely)

Probably.
Likely he'll win the election in this economy.

Usage notes

As an adverb, likely is often preceded by a modifier such as most or quite.
Some usage guides consider adverbial likely - instead of probably - to be poor style. One can also opt for the somewhat rarer adverbial form likelily.

Noun

(plural likelies)