The meaning of LIKELY is having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable. How to use likely in a sentence.

Likely and unlikely are adjectives. We use them to say that something will probably happen or not happen in the future. We can use them before a noun, or with the verbs be, seem and appear: …

LIKELY definition: probably or apparently destined (usually followed by an infinitive). See examples of likely used in a sentence.

Definition of likely adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Likely and unlikely are adjectives. We use them to say that something will probably happen or not happen in the future. We can use them before a noun, or with the verbs be, seem and appear: …

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In conversation and in informal writing, likely is sometimes an adverb with most, more than, or very in front of it, or as part of the phrase more likely than not.

You use likely to indicate that something is probably the case or will probably happen in a particular situation. Experts say a "yes" vote is still the likely outcome. If this is your first baby, …

Dec 14, 2025 · likely (comparative more likely or likelier, superlative most likely or likeliest) Rain is likely later this afternoon. His parents — a restless, titanically self-involved father and a mother …

Likely in the senses "probably destined'' and "probably'' is often preceded by a qualifying word like very, more, or quite: The board is very likely to turn down the request.