English
rank|attempt|soft|officers|832|likely|beneath|conversation|music
Etymology
Middle English likly, from Old English gelclc(from gelc, similar), and from Old Norse lkligr(from lkr, similar); see lk- in Indo-European roots.
Pronunciation
IPA|/�laɪkli/
audio|en-us-likely.ogg|Audio (US)
Adjective
en-adj|likeli|er|more
- probable; having a good chance of occuring
#:Rain is likely later this afternoon.
- probable; Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable
#:They are likely to become angry with him.
- appropriate; believable; having a good potential
#:Jones is a likely candidate for management.
- plausible; Within the realm of credibility
#:not a very likely excuse.
- suitable; Apparently appropriate or suitable
#:There were several likely candidates for the job.
- promising; Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome
#:a likely topic for investigation.
- Attractive; pleasant
#:found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
Usage notes
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.<br>
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.
In standard English the adverb likely must be used with word such as most,more or very:<br>
We will most likely see him later.
In informal usage likely is often used on its own:<br>
We will likely see him later.
He said that he would likely run for Prime Minister.
Translations
rfc-trans
Finnish: todennäköinen (1), lupaava (2)
Afrikaans: waarskynlik, vermoedelik
fr:likely
io:likely
it:likely
hu:likely
pl:likely
pt:likely
fi:likely
te:likely
vi:likely
zh:likely
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