Likely - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Likely means something is probable or expected to happen. It is often used to express a high chance of an event occurring, such as It will likely rain tomorrow.
Definition:
Probable or expected to happen or be true.
Synonyms:
probable, plausible, expected, promising
Part of Speech:
adjective, adverb
Antonyms:
unlikely, improbable
Common Collocations:
highly likely, most likely, less likely, very likely, quite likely
Derivatives:
likelihood, likeliness
Usage Tips:
Use "likely" before a noun as an adjective or after a verb as an adverb to indicate probability.
Common Phrases:
as likely as not, more than likely, not likely
Etymology:
From Old English *gelīc* (similar) + *-ly*, meaning "having the appearance of being true."
Examples:
- 1. It is likely to rain this afternoon.
- 2. She is the most likely candidate for the job.
- 3. They will likely arrive before dinner.
- 4. He’s not likely to change his mind soon.