The meaning of LIKELY is having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable. How to use likely in a sentence. Likely and unlikely are adjectives.
Understanding the Context
We use them to say that something will probably happen or not happen in the future. We can use them before a noun, or with the verbs be, seem and appear:. You use likely to indicate that something is probably the case or will probably happen in a particular situation. Experts say a "yes" vote is still the likely outcome.
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Key Insights
If this is your first baby,. In conversation and in informal writing, likely is sometimes an adverb with most, more than, or very in front of it, or as part of the phrase more likely than not. 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. Dec 14, 2025 · Adjective likely (comparative more likely or likelier, superlative most likely or likeliest) Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring. LIKELY definition: probably or apparently destined (usually followed by an infinitive).
Important Details
See examples of likely used in a sentence. He will likely [= probably] be late. It will likely rain tomorrow. This use of likely has sometimes been criticized, but it is very common.
Final Thoughts
It does not occur in highly formal writing. Definition of likely adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
