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
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
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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