Main Entry:

¹like·ly

Pronunciation:

\ˈlī-klē\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

like·li·er; like·li·est

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English gelīclic fitting (from gelīc like) and Old Norse glīkligr, līkligr, from glīkr like; akin to Old English gelīc

Date:

14th century

1 : having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable <rain is likely today> 2 : apparently qualified : suitable <a likely place> 3 : reliable, credible <a likely enough story> 4 : promising <a likely candidate> 5 : attractive <a likely child>