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 problem

likely 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 story

spoken used to tell someone you do not believe what they have just said

likely ²

likely² adv

1.) probably

most/very likely

▪ I'd very likely have done the same thing in your situation.

(as) likely as not

spoken (=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!'