likely

like·ly  (lkl)

adj. like·li·er, like·li·est

1. Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable: They are likely to become angry with him.

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. Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome; promising: a likely topic for investigation.

5. Attractive; pleasant: found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.

adv. Usage Problem

Probably.

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[Middle English likly, from Old English gelclc (from gelc, similar) and from Old Norse lkligr (from lkr, similar); see lk- in Indo-European roots.]

Usage Note: Used as an adverb likely is most commonly preceded by a modifier such as very or quite: He will quite likely require some help with his classes. But the unmodified use of likely is common enough in educated writing, and though it might be better avoided in highly formal style, it should not be regarded as incorrect: They'll likely buy a new car this year. See Usage Note at liable.

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likely

Adjective

1. tending or inclined: likely to win

2. probable: the likely effects of the tunnel

3. appropriate for a purpose or activity: a likely candidate

Adverb

1. probably or presumably

2. not likely Informal definitely not [Old Norse līkligr]

USAGE: Likely as an adverb is preceded by another, intensifying adverb, as in it will very likely rain or it will most likely rain. Its use without an intensifier, as in it will likely rain, is regarded as unacceptable by most users of British English, though it is common in colloquial US English.

Thesaurus

Adj.	1.	likely - has a good chance of being the case or of coming about; "these services are likely to be available to us all before long"; "she is likely to forget"; "a likely place for a restaurant"; "the broken limb is likely to fall"; "rain is likely"; "a likely topic for investigation"; "likely candidates for the job" possible - capable of happening or existing; "a breakthrough may be possible next year"; "anything is possible"; "warned of possible consequences" unlikely - has little chance of being the case or coming about; "an unlikely story"; "an unlikely candidate for reelection"; "a butcher is unlikely to preach vegetarianism"
	2.	likely - likely but not certain to be or become true or real; "a likely result"; "he foresaw a probable loss" probable
	3.	likely - expected to become or be; in prospect; "potential clients" potential prospective - of or concerned with or related to the future; "prospective earnings"; "a prospective mother"; "a prospective bride"; "the statute is solely prospective in operation"
	4.	likely - within the realm of credibility; "not a very likely excuse" believable, credible - capable of being believed; "completely credible testimony"; "credible information"
Adv.	1.	likely - with considerable certainty; without much doubt; "He is probably out of the country"; "in all likelihood we are headed for war" belike, in all likelihood, in all probability, probably

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likely

adjective 1. inclined, disposed, prone, liable, tending, apt

adjective 2. probable, expected, anticipated, odds-on, on the cards, to be expected

adjective 3. plausible, possible, reasonable, credible, feasible, believable, verisimilar

adjective 4. appropriate, promising, pleasing, fit, fair, favourite, qualified, suitable, acceptable, proper, hopeful, agreeable, up-and-coming, befitting

adverb 5. probably, no doubt, presumably, in all probability, like enough (informal) doubtlessly, like as not (informal)

USAGE When using likely as an adverb, it is usual to precede it by another, intensifying, adverb such as very or most, for example it will most likely rain. The use of likely as an adverb without an intensifier, for example it will likely rain, is considered nonstandard in British English, though it is common in colloquial US English.

Translations

likely [ˈlaɪklɪ] adj → probable, capaz (LAM);

he's likely to leave → es probable or (LAM) capaz que se vaya;

not likely! → ¡ni hablar!

likely [ˈlaɪklɪ] adj [result, outcome] → probable; [excuse] → plausible;

he's likely to leave → il va sûrement partir, il risque fort de partir;

not likely! (inf) → pas de danger!

likely [ˈlaɪklɪ] adj → wahrscheinlich;

to be likely to do sth → wahrscheinlich etw tun;

not likely! (inf) → wohl kaum!

likely [ˈlaɪklɪ] adj → probabile; plausibile;

he's likely to leave → probabilmente partirà, è probabile che parta;

not likely! (col) → neanche per sogno!