likely

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 Adverb 1.4.1 Usage notes 1.4.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Old Norse líkligr, from líkr (“‘like, similar’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈlaɪkli/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Adjective

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

1. probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring

   Rain is likely later this afternoon.

2. probable; Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable

   They are likely to become angry with him.

3. appropriate, suitable; believable; having a good potential

   Jones is a likely candidate for management.

4. plausible; Within the realm of credibility

   not a very likely excuse.

5. promising; Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome

   a likely topic for investigation.

6. attractive; pleasant

   found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Adverb

likely (comparative more likely, superlative most likely)

1. (obsolete) Similarly.
2. Probably.

   Likely he'll win the election in this economy.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Translations