likely

Meanings

Adjective

• probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring
• Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable
• appropriate, suitable; believable; having a good potential
• plausible; within the realm of credibility
• promising; apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome
• attractive; pleasant
• Similar; like; alike.

Noun

• Something or somebody considered likely.

Adverb

• Similarly.
• Probably.

Related

Similar words

• liable

Origin

• From Middle English likely, likly, lykly, likliche, from Old English ġelīclīċ and Old Norse líkligr, both from Proto-Germanic *līkalīkaz, equivalent to like + -ly.
• From Middle English likely, likly, lykly, likliche, from Old English ġelīclīċe and Old Norse líkliga, glíkliga, both from Proto-Germanic *līkalīka, equivalent to like + -ly.