likely

like-ly · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Probable; expected to happen or be the case.

  2. 2.

    Apparently suitable or promising.

  3. 3.

    Probably.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    more likely than not — Probably true.
  • •
    as likely as not — Probably.
  • •
    most likely — Probably; in all probability.
  • •
    a likely story — Expression of disbelief (ironic).
  • •
    not likely — Certainly not; definitely won't happen.

Related words

Antonyms: improbable, unlikely
See also: expect, possible, probable, probably, unlikely
Synonyms: anticipated, expected, plausible, probable

Etymology

From Old Norse líkligr ("likely"), from líkr ("like, similar") + -ligr (adjective suffix). The word entered English during the Viking period. Related to "like" and "-ly."