I. ˈlī-klē adjective
( like·li·er ; -est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gelīclic fitting (from gelīc like) and Old Norse glīkligr, līkligr, from glīkr like; akin to Old English gelīc
Date: 14th century
1. : having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable
rain is likely today
2. : apparently qualified : suitable
a likely place
3. : reliable , credible
a likely enough story
4. : promising
a likely candidate
5. : attractive
a likely child
II. adverb
Date: 14th century
: in all probability : probably
those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it — Halton Arp