likely
Plurallikelies
- 1Probably going to happen or be true.
Like dark clouds that usually mean rain is coming.
Snow is likely in the mountains this weekend, so pack warm clothes.
Given how late we started, a delay seems likely now.
UsageSay likely to + verb: it is likely to rain.
Oppositeunlikely
- 2Probably. Used when you expect something to happen or be true.
They'll likely arrive before noon.
The store will likely be closed by the time we get there.
UsageOften will likely: they'll likely arrive before noon.
Similarprobably, presumably
Note
- 3Seeming right for a purpose, or full of promise.
Like picking the ripest fruit because it looks the best on the tree.
That shady bend in the river looks like a likely spot for fish.
They scouted the field for a likely spot to set up camp.
UsageUsually before a noun: a likely spot for fish.
Similarpromising, suitable, appropriate
Oppositeunpromising, unsuitable
Note
Less common meanings
- 4Easy to believe and sounding true.
His account of the accident sounds likely enough.
His excuse sounded likely enough, so the teacher let it go.
UsageA likely story! means you do not believe it at all.
Similarplausible, believable, credible, reasonable
Oppositeimplausible, unbelievable
Note
- 5
- 6Good-looking and pleasant to see.
Note
- 7Much the same as something else, or alike.
For love is a celestiall harmonie Of likely harts composed of starres concent
1596, Edmund Spenser, An Hymne in Honour of BeautieHere, likely means alike or similar.Note
- 8In the same way, or in a way that is almost the same.
Note
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
From an Old English word meaning "suitable" and an Old Norse word meaning "likely", probably formed separately. It is like + -ly (adjective ending).
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- Likely derives from an Old English word meaning suitable. en.wiktionary.org
- Likely also derives from an Old Norse word meaning likely. en.wiktionary.org
- The Old English and Old Norse words were probably formed independently. en.wiktionary.org
- The adjective is equivalent to like plus adjectival -ly. en.wiktionary.org
From an Old English word meaning "equally" and an Old Norse word meaning "likely", both from Proto-Germanic. It is like + -ly (adverb ending).
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- The adverb likely derives from an Old English word meaning "equally". en.wiktionary.org
- It also derives from an Old Norse word meaning "likely". en.wiktionary.org
- Both ancestral words derive from Proto-Germanic. en.wiktionary.org
- The adverb's formation is equivalent to like plus the adverbial suffix -ly. en.wiktionary.org