likely

likely is one of the 1000 most common headwords.

like - likely - limit

Word parts

like + -ly

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈlaɪkli/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

Positive likely

Comparative likelier

Superlative likeliest

Positive likely

Comparative more likely

Superlative most likely

Likely is on the Academic Vocabulary List.

1. If something is likely, it is probably true or will probably happen.
   • Synonym: probably
   • Antonym: unlikely

   It seems likely that he will miss the meeting.

   The most likely explanation is that there was a simple mistake.

   People from that area are more likely to be short.

Related words

• likelihood
• unlikely

Adverb

Positive likely

Comparative more likely

Superlative most likely

1. You use likely to say that you think something is true or will happen.

   Likely, over the next few years, more changes will happen.

   It wouldn't likely have been very useful.

   Police have made good progress in their investigation but would not likely make any arrests within a week.