Likely definition
They are likely to become angry with him.
There were several likely candidates for the job.
A likely topic for investigation.
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.
Found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
They'll likely buy a new car soon.
A likely cause.
It is likely to rain.
A likely choice for the job.
A likely lad.
She will very likely go.
Rain is likely later this afternoon.
Jones is a likely candidate for management.
He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.
Not a very likely excuse.
Other Word Forms
Noun
Adjective
Origin 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