Likely


[lahyk-lee] /ˈlaɪk li/

adjective, likelier, likeliest.
1.
probably or apparently destined (usually followed by an infinitive):
something not likely to happen.
2.
seeming truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable:
a likely story.
3.
seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable:
a likely place for a restaurant.
4.
showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising:
a fine, likely young man.
adverb
5.
probably:
We will likely stay home this evening.
/ˈlaɪklɪ/
adjective
1.
(usually foll by an infinitive) tending or inclined; apt: likely to rain
2.
probable: a likely result
3.
believable or feasible; plausible
4.
appropriate for a purpose or activity
5.
having good possibilities of success: a likely candidate
6.
(dialect, mainly US) attractive, agreeable, or enjoyable: her likely ways won her many friends
adverb
7.
probably or presumably
8.
as likely as not, very probably
adj.

c.1300, perhaps from Old Norse likligr “likely,” from likr “like” (see like (adj.)). Old English had cognate geliclic. Meaning “having the appearance of being strong and capable” is from mid-15c., though now mostly confined to American English; according to OED this sense is perhaps influenced by like (v.). Sense of “good-looking” is from late 15c. Meaning “probably” is attested from late 14c., now principally in American English.

LIKELY. That may be liked; that may please; handsome. In the United States, as a colloquial term, respectable; worthy of esteem; sensible.–Worcester. [Bartlett]

As an adverb, late 14c., from the adjective.

Read Also:

  • Likely as not

    see: like as not also see under: unlikely

  • Likely story

    noun phrase A probable lie; a statement that seems incredible (1740+)

  • Like-minded

    [lahyk-mahyn-did] /ˈlaɪkˈmaɪn dɪd/ adjective 1. having a similar or identical opinion, disposition, etc.: a like-minded friend. adjective 1. agreeing in opinions, goals, etc

  • Likeminded

    [lahyk-mahyn-did] /ˈlaɪkˈmaɪn dɪd/ adjective 1. having a similar or identical opinion, disposition, etc.: a like-minded friend. adjective 1. agreeing in opinions, goals, etc adj. also like-minded, 1520s, from like (adj.) + minded. One word from 19c.

  • Liken

    [lahy-kuh n] /ˈlaɪ kən/ verb (used with object) 1. to represent as similar or like; compare: to liken someone to a weasel. /ˈlaɪkən/ verb 1. (transitive) to see or represent as the same or similar; compare v. late 13c., “to represent as like,” from like (adj.) + -en (1). Related: Likened; likening.


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