LIKELY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does likely mean? 

• LIKELY (adjective)
  The adjective LIKELY has 4 senses:

1. has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

2. likely but not certain to be or become true or real

3. expected to become or be; in prospect

4. within the realm of credibility

  Familiarity information: LIKELY used as an adjective is uncommon.

• LIKELY (adverb)
  The adverb LIKELY has 1 sense:

1. with considerable certainty; without much doubt

  Familiarity information: LIKELY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LIKELY (adjective)

Comparative: likelier   
Superlative: likeliest   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

Context example:

likely candidates for the job

Similar:

apt; liable (at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant)

probable (apparently destined)

promising (showing possibility of achievement or excellence)

Also:

possible (capable of happening or existing)

Attribute:

likelihood; likeliness (the probability of a specified outcome)

Antonym:

unlikely (has little chance of being the case or coming about)

Derivation:

likeliness (the probability of a specified outcome)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Likely but not certain to be or become true or real

Synonyms:

likely; probable

Context example:

he foresaw a probable loss

Similar:

equiprobable (equally probable)

presumptive (having a reasonable basis for belief or acceptance)

verisimilar (appearing to be true or real)

Derivation:

likeliness (the probability of a specified outcome)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Expected to become or be; in prospect

Synonyms:

likely; potential

Context example:

potential clients

Similar:

prospective (of or concerned with or related to the future)

Derivation:

likeliness (the probability of a specified outcome)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Within the realm of credibility

Context example:

not a very likely excuse

Similar:

believable; credible (capable of being believed)

• LIKELY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With considerable certainty; without much doubt

Synonyms:

belike; in all likelihood; in all probability; likely; probably

Context example:

in all likelihood we are headed for war

 Context examples 

I think the new position you are looking at (or new promotion) will require that you move to a new residence, most likely in a different part of the country or even overseas.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

"And that you are very likely to do very soon, I can tell you, ma'am," said Charles.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

The lonely mountain is likely volcanic in nature.

(Ceres' Geological Activity, Ice Revealed in New Research, NASA)

The world may very likely not always think of them as they think of themselves, but what care they for the world? what can it know about the matter?

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

"Some of the servants, very likely," she answered: "perhaps Grace Poole."

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

On the other hand, it's very likely to make my relations with Ruth's family a trifle awkward.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Now, a deeper analysis of the same Spitzer data finds this planet likely has an atmosphere whose ingredients could be similar to those of Earth's atmosphere, but thicker.

(Lava or Not, Exoplanet 55 Cancri e Likely to have Atmosphere, NASA)

On its quadruped stance, an average specimen is believed to be 1.2 meters tall and its maximum height was likely to be reached two years after birth.

(Brazil and China scientists unearth pterosaur eggs with preserved embryos, Agência Brasil)

There is nothing so likely to give it as standing and stooping in a hot sun; but I dare say it will be well to-morrow.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Although the mechanism of its anti-tumor activity is unclear, immunization with BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) likely activates a Th1 cytokine response that includes induction of interferon.

(BCG, NCI Thesaurus)