likely
pronunciation
How to pronounce likely in British English:
UK [ˈlaɪkli]
How to pronounce likely in American English:
US [ˈlaɪkli]
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- Adjective:
- has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
- likely but not certain to be or become true or real
- expected to become or be; in prospect
- within the realm of credibility
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- Adverb:
- with considerable certainty; without much doubt
Word Origin
- likely (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.
Antonym
Example
- 1. That is likely to have long-term consequences .
- 2. Is the experience of childhood itself likely to change ?
- 3. That does not look likely .
- 4. But other factors are likely at play .
- 5. He looks likely to get his wish .