Added 9 October 2026
likely
/ˈlaɪkli/ adjective
In Latin: probābilis Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about likely at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.
Rain is likely later this afternoon.
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Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable.
Do you think there's likely to be snow?
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Appropriate, suitable; believable; promising, having a good potential.
Jones is a likely candidate for management.
noun
- Something or somebody considered likely.
adverb
Origin
From Middle English likely, likly, lykly, likliche, from Old English ġelīclīċ (“suitable”) and Old Norse líkligr (“likely”) (probably independent formations), equivalent to like + -ly (adjectival suffix).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)