A2adjective1K

Likely

UK /["/ˈlaɪkli/"]/US /["/ˈlaɪkli/"]/

Definition

having a good chance of happening or being something; probable or expected

In simple words: It probably will happen.

Examples

  • It is likely that it will rain tomorrow.
  • She is the likely winner of the competition.
  • He is likely to arrive late because of traffic.
  • The likely reason for the delay was the storm.
  • It is not likely that he will change his mind.

Usage notes

Use 'likely' to express probability in neutral contexts. Avoid in very formal writing; use 'probable' instead. For informal contexts, 'likely' is suitable.

Grammar pattern

likely + to + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'like me' — if something seems likely, it's 'like me' to happen.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • promising

Antonyms

  • unlikely
  • improbable

Common mistakes

  • 'Likely' vs 'likelihood': Confused the adjective with the noun.
  • 'Likely' placement: Wrongly placed before the verb instead of before 'to'.
  • 'Unlikely' usage: Misusing 'unlikely' in positive contexts.