Definition of "likely" in English

adjective

1. Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.

   • Rain is likely later this afternoon.

2. (as predicate, followed by to and infinitive) Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable.

   • Do you think there's likely to be snow?
   • He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.

3. Appropriate, suitable; believable; promising, having a good potential.

   • Jones is a likely candidate for management.
   • The relationship with social status is a likely topic for investigation.

4. Plausible; within the realm of credibility.

   • not a very likely excuse.

5. Leading with high probability to some specified outcome.

   • a likely recipe for disaster.

6. (archaic) Attractive; pleasant.

   • I found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.

7. (obsolete) Similar; like; alike.

noun

1. Something or somebody considered likely.

adverb

1. Probably.

   • Likely he’ll win the election in this economy.
   • He’ll likely win the election in this economy.
   • He likely will win the election in this economy.
   • Most likely he’ll win the election in this economy.
   • He’ll most likely win the election in this economy.
   • He most likely will win the election in this economy.

2. (obsolete) Similarly.