/luyk"lee/ , adj., likelier, likeliest , adv.
adj.
1. probably or apparently destined (usually fol. by an infinitive): something not likely to happen.
2. seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable: a likely story.
3. seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable: a likely place for a restaurant.
4. showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising: a fine, likely young man.
adv.
5. probably: We will likely stay home this evening.
[ 1250-1300; ME likli likligr. See LIKE 1 , -LY ]
Syn. 3. appropriate.
Usage . 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. The new system will quite likely increase profits. However, despite statements to the contrary in some usage guides, LIKELY in these senses is standard without such a qualifier in all varieties of English: It will likely be a bitter debate. The shipment will likely arrive on Thursday. See also apt, liable .