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- Dictionarylikely/ˈlʌɪkli/
adjective
- 1. such as well might happen or be true; probable: "speculation on the likely effect of opting out" Similar Opposite
- 2. apparently suitable; promising: "a likely-looking spot" Similar
adverb
- 1. probably: "we will most likely go to a bar"
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B1. If something is likely, it will probably happen or is expected: Do remind me because I'm likely to forget. What's the likely outcome of this whole business? I suppose that might happen but it's not very likely. [ + that ] It's quite likely that we'll be in Spain this time next year. Opposite. unlikely. Fewer examples.
The meaning of LIKELY is having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable. How to use likely in a sentence.
Likely is an adjective that's perfect for describing things you can imagine happening, such as the likely destination of next summer's vacation. Any time that something is in the cards, or bound to happen, you can explain that it's likely to happen.
having a good chance of happening or being something; probable or expected. the most likely explanation/outcome/scenario. the likely cause/consequence. a likely nominee/contender/winner. A threat level of ‘Severe’ means a terrorist attack is highly likely. They might ask for help or, more likely, just give up.
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: appropriate. showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising: a fine, likely young man. adverb. probably:
B1. If something is likely, it will probably happen or is expected: Do remind me because I'm likely to forget. What's the likely outcome of this whole business? I suppose that might happen but it's not very likely. [ + that ] It's quite likely that we'll be in Spain this time next year. Opposite. unlikely. Fewer examples.
A likely person, place, or thing is one that will probably be suitable for a particular purpose. At one point he had seemed a likely candidate to become Prime Minister. We aimed the microscope at a likely looking target.
1. Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable: They are likely to become angry with him. See Usage Note at liable. 2. Within the realm of credibility; plausible: not a very likely excuse. 3. Apparently appropriate or suitable: There were several likely candidates for the job. 4.
adjective. uk / ˈlaɪkli / us. likely adjective (EXPECTED) Add to word list. B1. expected: [ + to do sth ] Do remind me because I'm likely to forget. [ + (that) ] It's likely that he'll say no. Fewer examples. Are prices likely to be reduced any further? Smokers are more likely to suffer heart attacks.
1. You use likely to indicate that something is probably the case or will probably happen in a particular situation. [...] 2. If someone or something is likely to do a particular thing, they will very probably do it.
