likely
4 ENTRIES FOUND:
likelier;
likeliest
likelier;
likeliest
Britannica Dictionary definition of LIKELY
[or more likely; most likely]
1
— used to indicate the chance that something will happen
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The car is likely to break down soon. = It's likely that the car will break down soon. [=there is a good chance that the car will break down soon]
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It is/seems highly/very likely that it will rain tomorrow.
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She doesn't seem likely to get the job.
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She may get the job, but it isn't likely.
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“Will she get the job?” “Not likely.” [=she probably will not get the job]
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It's more than likely [=very probable] that this problem will occur again.
2
:
seeming to be true
:
believable
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That seems to be the most likely explanation.
◊ The phrase a likely story is often used in an informal way to say that you do not believe what someone has said.
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He says he bought all that chocolate for his daughter, not himself. A likely story!
3
always used before a noun
:
seeming to be right or suited for a purpose
-
This looks like a likely spot for a picnic.
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They regard him as a likely candidate for the job.
— likeliness
noun [noncount]
2
likely
/ˈlaɪkli/
adverb
2
likely
/ˈlaɪkli/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of LIKELY
[more likely; most likely]
:
without much doubt
:
probably
-
He'll very likely be late.
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It will most likely rain tomorrow. [=it will probably rain tomorrow]
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“Will it rain tomorrow?” “Most likely.”
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She will more than likely not get the job. [=she will very probably not get the job]
Usage
In U.S. English, the adverb likely is often used by itself without most, quite, very, etc.
This use of likely has sometimes been criticized, but it is very common. It does not occur in highly formal writing.
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He will likely [=probably] be late.
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It will likely rain tomorrow.
