likely
word
/ˈɫaɪkɫi/
LYK-lee
/lˈaɪkli/
LYK-lee
Definition
If something is likely, it will probably happen or is probably true. It can also describe the person or thing that will probably do something.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in both spoken and written English. Common patterns are 'be likely to + verb' and 'it is likely that + clause'. 'Probably' is an adverb, but 'likely' is mainly an adjective, though in informal English you may hear 'most likely' as an adverbial phrase.
Spanish: probablePortuguese (BR): provávelPortuguese (PT): provávelChinese (Simplified): 可能的 - 很可能Chinese (Traditional): 可能的 - 很可能Hindi: संभावित - शायदArabic: محتمل - على الأرجحBengali: সম্ভাব্য - সম্ভবতRussian: вероятный - скорее всегоJapanese: ありそうな - 起こりそうなVietnamese: có khả năng - có lẽKorean: 가능성이 있는 - 아마도Turkish: muhtemel - olasıUrdu: ممکنہ - غالباًIndonesian: kemungkinan - mungkin
Example Sentences
It is likely to rain tonight.
basic
She is the most likely person to win.
basic
That story seems likely.
basic
Most likely, they forgot about the meeting.
natural
We're likely to be late if we don't leave now.
natural
He's not likely to change his mind.
natural