likely

Definitions

1. adjective

   Probably going to happen.

   Examples

   • Rain is likely later this afternoon.
   • It is likely that she will win.
2. adjective

   Expected to do or be something.

   Examples

   • Do you think it is likely to snow?
   • He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.
   ≈liable
3. adjective

   Good or suitable for a purpose.

   Examples

   • Jones is a likely choice for manager.
   • This is a likely topic for further study.
4. adjective

   Easy to believe.

   Examples

   • That is not a very likely excuse.
   • His story sounded likely enough to be true.
5. adjective

   Probably leading to a certain result.

   Examples

   • This is a likely recipe for disaster.
   • Skipping practice is a likely way to lose the match.
6. adjective

   Pleasant to look at, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • We found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
   • It was a likely little cottage by the sea.
7. adjective

   Alike or similar, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • Their tastes were likely in many ways.
   • The two plans are so likely that people mix them up.
8. noun

   A person or thing that will probably succeed.

   Examples

   • Of all the candidates, she is the likely.
   • He was seen as the likely to win.
9. adverb

   Probably.

   Examples

   • He will likely win the election.
   • It will likely rain tomorrow.
   ≈see synonyms at probably
10. adverb

    In the same way, in old-fashioned use.

    Examples

    • Likely, the market will react the same way next time.
    • The second test went likely, with the same results.