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6 dictionary results for: likely

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

like·ly

[lahyk-lee] Pronunciation Key adjective, -li·er, -li·est, adverb

–adjective

1.	probably or apparently destined (usually fol. by an infinitive): something not likely to happen.

2.	seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable: a likely story.

3.	seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable: a likely place for a restaurant.

4.	showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising: a fine, likely young man.

–adverb

5.	probably: We will likely stay home this evening.

[Origin: 1250–1300; ME likli < ON līkligr. See like^1, -ly

]

—Synonyms 3. appropriate.

—Usage note Likely in the senses “probably destined” and “probably” is often preceded by a qualifying word like very, more, or quite: The board is very likely to turn down the request. The new system will quite likely increase profits. However, despite statements to the contrary in some usage guides, likely in these senses is standard without such a qualifier in all varieties of English: It will likely be a bitter debate. The shipment will likely arrive on Thursday. See also apt, liable.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

like·ly (līk'lē) Pronunciation Key
adj. like·li·er, like·li·est

Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable: They are likely to become angry with him.
Within the realm of credibility; plausible: not a very likely excuse.
Apparently appropriate or suitable: There were several likely candidates for the job.
Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome; promising: a likely topic for investigation.
Attractive; pleasant: found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.

adv. Usage Problem
Probably.

[Middle English likly, from Old English gelīclīc (from gelīc, similar) and from Old Norse līkligr (from līkr, similar); see līk- in Indo-European roots.]

Usage Note: Used as an adverb likely is most commonly preceded by a modifier such as very or quite: He will quite likely require some help with his classes. But the unmodified use of likely is common enough in educated writing, and though it might be better avoided in highly formal style, it should not be regarded as incorrect: They'll likely buy a new car this year. See Usage Note at liable.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
likely

c.1300, perhaps from O.N. likligr "likely," from likr "like" (adj.). O.E. had cognate geliclic. Meaning "having the appearance of being strong and capable" is from 1454, though now mostly confined to Amer.Eng. Sense of "good-looking" is from 1470. Meaning "probably" is attested from c.1380, now principally in Amer.Eng.

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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

likely
adjective
1.	has a good chance of being the case or of coming about; "these services are likely to be available to us all before long"; "she is likely to forget"; "a likely place for a restaurant"; "the broken limb is likely to fall"; "rain is likely"; "a likely topic for investigation"; "likely candidates for the job" [ant: unlikely]
2.	likely but not certain to be or become true or real; "a likely result"; "he foresaw a probable loss" [syn: probable] [ant: improbable]
3.	expected to become or be; in prospect; "potential clients"
4.	within the realm of credibility; "not a very likely excuse"
adverb
1.	with considerable certainty; without much doubt; "He is probably out of the country"; "in all likelihood we are headed for war" [syn: probably]