likely
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Acronyms, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
like·ly
(līk′lē)adj. like·li·er, like·li·est
1. Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable: They are likely to become angry with him. See Usage Note at liable.
2. Within the realm of credibility; plausible: not a very likely excuse.
3. Apparently appropriate or suitable: There were several likely candidates for the job.
4. Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome; promising: a likely topic for investigation.
5. Attractive; pleasant: found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
adv.
Probably: They'll likely buy a new car soon.
[Middle English likly, from Old English gelīclīc (from gelīc, similar) and from Old Norse līkligr (from līkr, similar); see līk- in Indo-European roots.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
likely
(ˈlaɪklɪ)adj
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 chiefly US attractive, agreeable, or enjoyable: her likely ways won her many friends.
adv
7. probably or presumably
8. as likely as not very probably
[C14: from Old Norse līkligr]
Usage: Likely as an adverb is preceded by another, intensifying adverb, as in it will very likely rain or it will most likely rain. Its use without an intensifier, as in it will likely rain is regarded as unacceptable by most users of British English, though it is common in colloquial US English
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
like•ly
(ˈlaɪk li)adj. -li•er, -li•est,
adv. adj.
1. probably or apparently destined (usu. fol. by an infinitive): something not likely to happen.
2. seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; believable: a likely story.
3. seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable: a likely place to live.
4. showing promise of achievement or excellence.
adv. 5. probably: We will most likely stay home this evening.
usage: likely meaning “probably” is often preceded by a qualifying word: The new system will quite likely increase profits. Some usage guides maintain that such a qualifier must always be present. However, likely without the qualifier is standard in all varieties of English: The new system will likely increase profits. See also apt, liable.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
likely
, liable - Use likely if you mean "probable, expected"; use liable if you mean "bound by law or obligation."See also related terms for obligation.
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
likely
1. used as an adjective
Likely is usually an adjective. You say, for example, that something is likely to happen.
These services are likely to be available to us all before long.
You can also say that it is likely that something will happen.
It is likely that his symptoms will disappear without treatment.
If this is your first baby, it's far more likely that you'll get to the hospital too early.
2. used as an adverb
In conversation and in informal writing, likely is sometimes an adverb with most, more than, or very in front of it, or as part of the phrase more likely than not. Don't use it as an adverb on its own.
Profits will most likely have risen by about $25 million.
More than likely, the cause of her illness is stress.
More likely than not they would kill him if they found out who he really was.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
| Adj. | 1. | likely - 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" possible - capable of happening or existing; "a breakthrough may be possible next year"; "anything is possible"; "warned of possible consequences" unlikely - has little chance of being the case or coming about; "an unlikely story"; "an unlikely candidate for reelection"; "a butcher is unlikely to preach vegetarianism" |
| 2. | likely - likely but not certain to be or become true or real; "a likely result"; "he foresaw a probable loss" | |
| 3. | likely - expected to become or be; in prospect; "potential clients" prospective - of or concerned with or related to the future; "prospective earnings"; "a prospective mother"; "a prospective bride"; "the statute is solely prospective in operation" | |
| 4. | likely - within the realm of credibility; "not a very likely excuse" believable, credible - capable of being believed; "completely credible testimony"; "credible information" | |
| Adv. | 1. | likely - with considerable certainty; without much doubt; "He is probably out of the country"; "in all likelihood we are headed for war" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
likely
adjective
1. inclined, disposed, prone, liable, tending, apt People are more likely to accept change if they understand it.
2. probable, expected, anticipated, odds-on, on the cards, to be expected A 'yes' vote is the likely outcome.
3. plausible, possible, reasonable, credible, feasible, believable, verisimilar It's likely that he still loves her.
4. appropriate, promising, pleasing, fit, fair, favourite, qualified, suitable, acceptable, proper, hopeful, agreeable, up-and-coming, befitting He seemed a likely candidate to becoming Prime Minister.
adverb
1. probably, no doubt, presumably, in all probability, like enough (informal), doubtlessly, like as not (informal) Very likely he'd told them of his business interest.
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
likely
adjective1. Having a chance of happening or being true:
2. Based on probability or presumption:
Idiom: taken for granted.
3. Capable of being anticipated, considered, or imagined:
Idioms: humanly possible, within the bounds of possibility.
4. Inspiring confidence or hope:
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
pravděpodobnývhodný
muligsandsynlig
todennäköinenuskottavalupaavaluultavamahdollinen
vjerojatno
hentugurlíklegur
･･･しそうな
있을 법한
verjeten
sannolik
เป็นไปได้
có thể xảy ra
likely
[ˈlaɪklɪ]A. ADJ (likelier (compar) (likeliest (superl)))
1. (= probable) [outcome, consequences] → probable
what kind of changes are likely? → ¿qué tipo de cambios son probables?
snow is likely on high ground → es probable que nieve en zonas altas
it is likely that → es probable que + subjun
it is likely to rain later on → es probable que llueva más tarde
they are not likely to come → no es probable que vengan
he's likely to do anything → puede hacer cualquier cosa
he's the man most likely to win → es el que más probabilidades tiene de ganar
a likely story or tale! (iro) → ¡menudo cuento!, ¡y yo que me lo creo! (iro)
what kind of changes are likely? → ¿qué tipo de cambios son probables?
snow is likely on high ground → es probable que nieve en zonas altas
it is likely that → es probable que + subjun
it is likely to rain later on → es probable que llueva más tarde
they are not likely to come → no es probable que vengan
he's likely to do anything → puede hacer cualquier cosa
he's the man most likely to win → es el que más probabilidades tiene de ganar
a likely story or tale! (iro) → ¡menudo cuento!, ¡y yo que me lo creo! (iro)
B. ADV (= probably) she will very or most likely arrive late → lo más probable es que llegue tarde
some prisoners will likely be released soon (US) → es probable que pronto se deje en libertad a algunos prisioneros
(as) likely as not he'll arrive early → lo más probable es que llegue pronto, seguramente llegará pronto
this is more than likely true → lo más probable or seguro es que sea cierto
"I expect she'll be re-elected" - "yes, more than likely" → -me imagino que la volverán a elegir -si, seguramente
not likely! → ¡ni hablar!
some prisoners will likely be released soon (US) → es probable que pronto se deje en libertad a algunos prisioneros
(as) likely as not he'll arrive early → lo más probable es que llegue pronto, seguramente llegará pronto
this is more than likely true → lo más probable or seguro es que sea cierto
"I expect she'll be re-elected" - "yes, more than likely" → -me imagino que la volverán a elegir -si, seguramente
not likely! → ¡ni hablar!
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
likely
[ˈlaɪkli] adj [result, outcome, scenario, impact] → probable
That's not very likely → C'est peu probable.
to be likely to do sth
She's likely to come → Elle viendra probablement.
He's likely to leave → Il va probablement partir.
He is likely to resign → Il va probablement démissionner.
They are now much more likely to accept the change → Ils sont maintenant bien plus à même d'accepter le changement.
She's not likely to come → Elle ne viendra probablement pas.
it is likely that ... → il est probable que ...
it appears likely that ... → il apparaît probable que ...
That's not very likely → C'est peu probable.
to be likely to do sth
She's likely to come → Elle viendra probablement.
He's likely to leave → Il va probablement partir.
He is likely to resign → Il va probablement démissionner.
They are now much more likely to accept the change → Ils sont maintenant bien plus à même d'accepter le changement.
She's not likely to come → Elle ne viendra probablement pas.
it is likely that ... → il est probable que ...
it appears likely that ... → il apparaît probable que ...
[excuse, explanation] → plausible
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
likely
adj (+er)
(= probable) → wahrscheinlich; he is not likely to come → es ist unwahrscheinlich, dass er kommt; they are likely to accept/refuse → sie werden wahrscheinlich zusagen/ablehnen; she is hardly likely to come now → sie wird jetzt kaum kommen; is it likely that I would do that? → trauen Sie mir das zu?; the plan most likely to succeed → der erfolgversprechendste Plan; an incident likely to cause trouble → ein Zwischenfall, der möglicherweise Ärger nach sich zieht; a likely explanation → eine mögliche or wahrscheinliche Erklärung; (iro) → wers glaubt, wird selig! (inf); this is a likely place for him to stay → es ist gut möglich, dass er sich hier aufhält; a likely story or tale! (iro) → das soll mal einer glauben!
(inf: = suitable) → geeignet; a likely spot for a picnic → ein geeignetes or prima (inf) → Plätzchen für ein Picknick; he is a likely person for the job → er kommt für die Stelle infrage or in Frage; likely candidates → aussichtsreiche Kandidaten; a likely(-looking) lad → ein vielversprechender junger Mann; a likely-looking target → ein geeignetes Ziel
adv → wahrscheinlich; as likely as not → höchstwahrscheinlich; very likely they’ve lost it → höchstwahrscheinlich haben sie es verloren; they’ll likely be late (dial) → sie kommen wahrscheinlich zu spät; it’s more likely to be early than late → es wird eher früh als spät werden; not likely! (inf iro) → wohl kaum (inf)
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
likely
[ˈlaɪklɪ]1. adj (-ier (comp) (-iest (superl))) (outcome, winner) → probabile; (place) → adatto/a, buono/a; (story, explanation) → plausibile
a likely explanation → una spiegazione attendibile or plausibile
a likely story! (iro) → ma a chi la racconti?, e io dovrei crederci?
when is the likeliest time to find you at home? → quando è più probabile trovarti a casa?
it's likely that I'll be late → molto probabilmente sarò in ritardo
an incident likely to cause trouble → un incidente che probabilmente causerà dei problemi
it's not likely that he'll come, he is not likely to come → è difficile che venga
he's likely to leave → è probabile che parta, probabilmente partirà
a likely explanation → una spiegazione attendibile or plausibile
a likely story! (iro) → ma a chi la racconti?, e io dovrei crederci?
when is the likeliest time to find you at home? → quando è più probabile trovarti a casa?
it's likely that I'll be late → molto probabilmente sarò in ritardo
an incident likely to cause trouble → un incidente che probabilmente causerà dei problemi
it's not likely that he'll come, he is not likely to come → è difficile che venga
he's likely to leave → è probabile che parta, probabilmente partirà
2. adv → probabilmente
most or very likely they've lost it → con molta probabilità or molto probabilmente l'hanno perso
not likely! (fam) → neanche per sogno!
most or very likely they've lost it → con molta probabilità or molto probabilmente l'hanno perso
not likely! (fam) → neanche per sogno!
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
like1
(laik) adjective the same or similar. They're as like as two peas.
preposition the same as or similar to; in the same or a similar way as. He climbs like a cat; She is like her mother.
noun someone or something which is the same or as good etc as another. You won't see his like / their like again.
conjunction (especially American) in the same or a similar way as. No-one does it like he does.
ˈlikely adjective1. probable. the likely result; It's likely that she'll succeed.
2. looking etc as if it might be good, useful, suitable etc. a likely spot for a picnic; She's the most likely person for the job.
ˈlikelihood noun probability.
ˈliken verb to think or speak of as being similar; to compare. He likened the earth to an apple.
ˈlikeness noun1. (a) similarity or resemblance. The likeness between them is amazing.
2. a representation of a a person etc in a photographic or painted portrait etc. That photo of Mary is a good likeness.
ˈlikewise adverb1. in the same or a similar manner. He ignored her, and she ignored him likewise.
2. also. Mrs. Brown came, likewise Mrs. Smith.
like-ˈminded adjective having a similar opinion or purpose.
a likely story! I don't believe it!.
as likely as not probably. As likely as not, he won't remember to come.
be like someone to be typical of someone. It isn't like him to be late.(=Geç kalmak onun adeti değildir.)
feel like to be inclined, willing or anxious to (do or have something). I don't feel like going out; I expect he feels like a cup of tea.
he etc is likely to it is probable that he etc will. He is likely to fail.
look like1. to appear similar to. She looks very like her mother.
2. to show the effects, signs or possibility of. It looks like rain.
not likely! certainly not!. `Would you put your head in a lion's mouth?' `Me? Not likely!'
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
likely
→ مُحْتَمَلٌ pravděpodobný sandsynlig wahrscheinlich πιθανός probable todennäköinen probable vjerojatno probabile ･･･しそうな 있을 법한 waarschijnlijk sannsynlig prawdopodobny provável возможный sannolik เป็นไปได้ olası có thể xảy ra 很可能的Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009