Likely
/ˈlaɪkli/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving a high probability of occurring or being true.
/ˈlaɪkli/
Probable or expected to happen or be the case.
She's likely to win the competition.
💡 Simply: Likely means something has a good chance of happening! Imagine you want to play outside, and it's sunny. It's likely you'll get to play!
👶 For kids: It means something might happen, like maybe it will rain.
More Examples
The plane is likely to arrive on schedule.
It's likely that he will accept the job offer.
How It's Used
"It is likely to rain later."
"The project is likely to be completed on time."
Probably or in a way that is likely.
/ˈlaɪkli/
Probably; in all likelihood.
She'll likely attend the party if she's feeling better.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: you *probably* will finish your homework. So, you will *likely* finish your homework.
👶 For kids: It means maybe. Like, maybe it will be sunny tomorrow!
More Examples
We'll likely go to the beach this weekend.
He'll likely agree with your proposal.
How It's Used
"He'll likely arrive before noon."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
more than likely
Very probably.
"It's more than likely that they will agree to the terms."
highly likely
Very probable or expected to happen.
"It's highly likely that it will rain tomorrow."
From Middle English *likli*, from Old English *gelīclīċ* ('like, probable'), from *gelīc* ('like') + *-līċ* ('-ly').
The word 'likely' has been in use since the 14th century, evolving from the Old English root.
Memory tip
Think of 'like' - something you would like to happen, is therefore likely to happen.
Word Origin
"like, probable"