Definition of likely
likelier
;likeliest
1 : having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable rain is likely today
2 : apparently qualified : suitable a likely place
4 : promising a likely candidate
5 : attractive a likely child
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Examples of likely in a Sentence
That seems to be the most likely explanation.
This looks like a likely spot for a picnic.
They regard him as a likely candidate for the job.
Origin and Etymology of likely
Middle English, from Old English gelīclic fitting (from gelīc like) and Old Norse glīkligr, līkligr, from glīkr like; akin to Old English gelīc
First Known Use: 14th century
likely
Definition of likely
: in all probability : probably those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it — Halton Arp
Examples of likely in a Sentence
He'll very likely be late.
“Will it rain tomorrow?” “Most likely.”
Origin and Etymology of likely
see 1likely
First Known Use: 14th century
LIKELY Defined for English Language Learners
likely
playDefinition of likely for English Language Learners
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—used to indicate the chance that something will happen
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: seeming to be true
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: seeming to be right or suited for a purpose
likely
Definition of likely for English Language Learners
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: without much doubt
LIKELY Defined for Kids
Definition of likely for Students
likelier
;likeliest
1 : very possibly going to happen That glass is likely to fall.
2 : seeming to be the truth : believable That is the most likely explanation.
3 : giving hope of turning out well : promising They found a likely spot for a picnic.
Definition of likely for Students
: without great doubt She will likely be elected class president.
Learn More about likely
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for likely Spanish Central: Translation of likely Nglish: Translation of likely for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of likely for Arabic speakers
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