From Old English gelīclīc, ‘similar’ or ‘suitable’, built from the ancestor of like. Its modern probability sense developed from the idea of something appearing suitable or believable.
From Old English gelīclīc, ‘similar’ or ‘suitable’, built from the ancestor of like. Its modern probability sense developed from the idea of something appearing suitable or believable.
What does likely mean?
Likely means having a good chance of happening or being true.
How is likely used with an infinitive?
The pattern likely to is followed by a verb, as in ‘She is likely to win.’
Can likely be an adverb?
Yes. Especially in North American English, ‘It will likely rain’ means it will probably rain.
What is the difference between likely and probably?
Likely is often an adjective, while probably is always an adverb. Likely can also be an adverb in some varieties of English.
What is the opposite of likely?
The usual opposite is unlikely.
What are the comparative forms of likely?
The forms likelier and likeliest are correct, though more likely and most likely are much more common.
Where does likely come from?
It comes from an Old English word related to like that meant similar or suitable.
How is likely pronounced?
In General American English, likely is pronounced /ˈlaɪkli/.