adj. & adv.
--adj.
1. probable; such as well might happen or be true (it is not likely that they will come; the most likely place is London; a likely story).
2 (foll. by to + infin.) to be reasonably expected (he is not likely to come now).
3 promising; apparently suitable (this is a likely spot; three likely lads).
--adv. probably (is very likely true).
Phrases and idioms:
as likely as not probably. not likely! colloq. certainly not, I refuse.
Derivatives:
likeliness n.
Etymology: ME f. ON l{iacute}kligr (as LIKE(1), -LY(1))