Word: Likely

Pronunciation

/ˈlaɪkli/

Definitions

• Adjective: Having a strong probability of occurring or being true; probable. For example: “It’s likely to rain today.”
  • Usage: “Based on the forecast, it’s likely that we’ll have a sunny weekend.”
• Adverb: In all probability; most probably. For example: “He will likely arrive late due to traffic.”
  • Usage: “She’s likely going to finish her project ahead of schedule.”

Phrases

• As likely as not: With equal probability of either outcome. For example: “As likely as not, he’ll decide to stay home tonight.”
• Likely enough: Probably, quite possibly. For example: “Likely enough, we’ll have to postpone the meeting.”
• Be likely to do something: To have a strong tendency or expectation of doing something. Example: “New students are likely to experience homesickness during their first semester.”

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “Given his skills, he’s the most likely candidate for the job.”
• Adverb: “With the current wind direction, the fire is likely to spread towards the north.”

Synonyms

• Probable
• Presumably
• Expectedly
• Apparently
• Ostensibly
• Plausibly
• Conceivably
• Chances are
• Probably