likely

¹like·ly

adj \ˈlī-klē\

like·li·erlike·li·est

Definition of LIKELY

1

: having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable <rain is likely today>

2

: apparently qualified : suitable <a likely place>

3

: reliable, credible <a likely enough story>

4

: promising <a likely candidate>

5

: attractive <a likely child>

Examples of LIKELY

1. That seems to be the most likely explanation.
2. This looks like a likely spot for a picnic.
3. They regard him as a likely candidate for the job.

Origin of LIKELY

Middle English, from Old English gelīclic fitting (from gelīc like) and Old Norse glīkligr, līkligr, from glīkr like; akin to Old English gelīc

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LIKELY

Synonyms: probable

Antonyms: doubtful, dubious, improbable, questionable, unlikely

Related Words: conceivable, earthly, imaginable, possible, potential, supposable; apt, bound, certain, doubtless, imminent, inescapable, inevitable, liable, necessary, sure, unavoidable

Near Antonyms: impossible, inconceivable, unimaginable

see all synonyms and antonyms

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