Likely
WordNet
adjective
(1) Within the realm of credibility
"Not a very likely excuse"
(2) Has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
"These services are likely to be available to us all before long"
"She is likely to forget"
"A likely place for a restaurant"
"The broken limb is likely to fall"
"Rain is likely"
"A likely topic for investigation"
"Likely candidates for the job"
(3) Likely but not certain to be or become true or real
"A likely result"
"He foresaw a probable loss"
(4) Expected to become or be; in prospect
"Potential clients"
"Expected income"
adverb
(5) With considerable certainty; without much doubt
"He is probably out of the country"
"In all likelihood we are headed for war"
WiktionaryText
Adjective
- probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring
- Rain is likely later this afternoon.
- probable; Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable
- They are likely to become angry with him.
- appropriate, suitable; believable; having a good potential
- Jones is a likely candidate for management.
- plausible; Within the realm of credibility
- not a very likely excuse.
- promising; Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome
- a likely topic for investigation.
- attractive; pleasant
- found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
Usage notes
- As an adverb, likely is often preceded by a modifier such as or .
- Some usage guides consider adverbial likely - instead of probably - to be poor style.