- likely
- like|ly1 W1S1 [ˈlaıkli] adj comparative likelier superlative likeliest[Date: 1300-1400; : Old Norse; Origin: glikligr, from glikr 'like']1.) something that is likely will probably happen or is probably true≠ ↑unlikely▪ Snow showers are likely tomorrow.likely outcome/effects/consequences etc▪ What are the likely effects of the law going to be?▪ the most likely cause of the problemlikely to do/be sth▪ Children who live in the country's rural areas are very likely to be poor.more/less/most/least likely▪ Young drivers are far more likely to have accidents than older drivers.▪ It is more than likely (=almost certain) the votes will have to be counted again.▪ It could have been an accident, but that was hardly likely (=not very likely) .▪ He could offer no likely explanation when I asked him.2.) [only before noun]suitable for a particular purpose▪ the three most likely candidates for president▪ One likely source of energy is windpower.3.) a likely storyspoken used to tell someone you do not believe what they have just saidlikely 2likely2 adv1.) probablymost/very likely▪ I'd very likely have done the same thing in your situation.(as) likely as notspoken (=very probably)▪ As likely as not, the meeting will take place in the village pub.2.) not likely!spoken especially BrE used to disagree strongly, or to say that something will not happen▪ 'He said you'd be giving them a lift.' 'Not likely!'
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.