adj

likely

LYK-lee

adj

Probable; expected to happen or be true.

"It's likely to rain later."

"She's the most likely candidate for the job."

adv

Probably.

"He'll likely be late again."

How to Use Likely

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that's probably going to happen or is probably true.

Common mistake

In American English "likely" is often used as an adverb without "very" or "most" ("I'll likely go"); in British English it usually needs a modifier ("I'll very likely go" or "I'll probably go").

Common pairings

most likely highly likely likely to happen

Word Forms

more likely comparative, likelier comparative, more likely comparative, likelier comparative, likelies plural, Likelys plural, most likely superlative, likeliest superlative, most likely superlative, likeliest superlative

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It's _____ to rain later.

Etymology

From Middle English likely, from Old English ġelīclīċ ("suitable") and a related Old Norse word — ultimately built from like plus the adjective ending -ly.

Rhymes for likely

Ely rely Neely comely lonely timely lovely homely widely lively lately rarely

See all rhymes for likely →