/ ˈlaɪkli; NAmE / adjective , adverb
■ adjective ( like·lier , like·li·est )
HELP NOTE : more likely and most likely are the usual forms
1.
likely (to do sth) | likely (that ... ) probable or expected :
the most likely outcome
Tickets are likely to be expensive.
It's more than likely that the thieves don't know how much it is worth.
They might refuse to let us do it, but it's hardly likely .
2.
seeming suitable for a purpose
SYN promising :
She seems the most likely candidate for the job.
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IDIOMS
- a likely story
■ adverb
•
IDIOMS
- as likely as not | most / very likely
- not likely!
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GRAMMAR
likely
In standard BrE the adverb likely must be used with a word such as most , more or very :
We will most likely see him later.
In informal NAmE likely is often used on its own:
We will likely see him later.
•
He said that he would likely run for President.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old Norse líkligr , from líkr ; related to alike .