likely
Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.
Adjective 4 meanings
Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.
“Rain is likely later this afternoon.”
Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable.
“Do you think there's likely to be snow?”
Appropriate, suitable; believable; promising, having a good potential.
“Jones is a likely candidate for management.”
Plausible; within the realm of credibility.
“not a very likely excuse.”
Noun 1 meaning
Something or somebody considered likely.
Adverb 1 meaning
Probably.
“Likely he’ll win the election in this economy.”
Etymology
From Middle English likely, likly, lykly, likliche, from Old English ġelīclīċ (“suitable”) and Old Norse líkligr (“likely”) (probably independent formations), equivalent to like + -ly (adjectival suffix).
Similar and opposite words
LIKELY at a glance
LIKELY has 6 letters and scores 13 points in Scrabble (L 1 + I 1 + K 5 + E 1 + L 1 + Y 4) and 14 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #606 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with likely
All rhymes- COMPLETELY19
- ABSOLUTELY15
- IMMEDIATELY19
- DEFINITELY17
- EXTREMELY21
- LOVELY12
- ENTIRELY11
- RELATIVELY16
- APPROXIMATELY29
- UNFORTUNATELY19
- LARGELY11
- ULTIMATELY15
One letter away
- LIVELY12
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