likely
LYK-lee
Likely (adj) means Probable; expected to happen or be true. Example: “It's likely to rain later.”
adj
1
Probable; expected to happen or be true.
"It's likely to rain later."
"She's the most likely candidate for the job."
"It is likely that the train will be late because of the snow."
adv
1
Probably.
"He'll likely be late again."
"We'll likely see you at the party on Saturday evening."
"The shop is likely closed by now, so let's try tomorrow."
How to use likely
Learner’s notesIn 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").
Easily confused with
Common pairings
most likely
highly likely
likely to happen
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Word forms
- Plural
- likelies
- Comparative
- more likely, likelier
- Superlative
- most likely, likeliest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for likely
See all rhymes for likely →Frequently asked questions
What does “likely” mean?
The word “likely” means probable; expected to happen or be true. In plain terms, something that's probably going to happen or is probably true.
How do you pronounce “likely”?
“Likely” is pronounced LYK-lee (/ˈlaɪkli/ in IPA).
How do you use “likely” in a sentence?
Here is “likely” used in a sentence: “It's likely to rain later.”
What part of speech is “likely”?
Depending on how it is used, “likely” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “likely” come from?
The word “likely” comes from Old English. From Middle English likely, from Old English ġelīclīċ ("suitable") and a related Old Norse word — ultimately built from like plus the adjective ending -ly.
Is “likely” a common word?
“Likely” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “likely” have?
“Likely” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: probable; expected to happen or be true.
What is the difference between likely and probable?
The two are very close, and both mean something has a good chance of being true or happening. Probable is a little stronger and more formal, suggesting the odds are clearly in favour. Likely is the everyday word and slightly softer. In most sentences you can swap one for the other.
What is the difference between likely and possible?
Possible means something could happen; likely means it probably will. Anything not ruled out is possible, even with slim odds, but likely means the chances are good — better than even. Rain is possible on a cloudy day, but only likely when the sky turns dark and heavy.
What is the opposite of likely?
The direct opposite is unlikely, meaning something probably will not happen or is probably untrue. Improbable and doubtful carry the same idea, while remote describes a chance so small it is barely worth considering. All contrast with likely by placing the odds against, rather than in favour.
What is an example of likely?
If dark clouds gather, rain is likely. A well-prepared student is likely to pass. Saying an outcome is likely means you expect it, based on the signs, without being certain — the probability is high enough to plan around, though not guaranteed.
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