likely

 
Pronunciation: /ˈlʌɪkli/

adjective (likelier, likeliest)

  • 1such as well might happen or be true; probable: speculation on the likely effect of opting out [with clause]: it was likely that he would make a televised statement [with infinitive]: sales are likely to drop further
  • 2apparently suitable; promising: a likely-looking spot

adverb

  • probably: we will most likely go to a bar

Phrases

a likely story

used to express disbelief of an account or excuse: ‘She’s your lodger? A likely story!’

as likely as not

probably: I won’t take their pills, because as likely as not they’d poison me

not likely!

informal certainly not; I refuse: ‘Are you going home?’ ‘Not likely!’

Derivatives

likeliness

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old Norse líkligr, from líkr (see like1)

In standard British English, when likely is used as an adverb it must be preceded by a submodifier such as very, most, or more, as in we will most likely see him later. In informal US English, use without a submodifier is very common and not regarded as incorrect, as in we will likely see him later.