What does likely mean?
“Likely” is an adjective and adverb meaning probable, expected, or credible. As an adjective, it describes a person, thing, event, or explanation that is more likely to be true or to happen than not: “The train is likely to be delayed.” As an adverb, it modifies verbs and adjectives, as in “She will probably agree” or “The road is likely to flood.” The word can also mean suitable or believable, especially in expressions such as “a likely candidate.” In informal speech, “likely” often appears before a participle, as in “He is likely working from home today.” Although “likely” can sometimes sound like a cautious way of avoiding certainty, it is a precise and useful word for expressing a well-supported expectation, especially when the degree of probability is high.
Probable, expected, or credible; likely to happen or be true.
"The weather is likely to improve by tomorrow."
Often used with “to” followed by an infinitive, as in “likely to succeed.”
Probably; in all likelihood.
"They will likely choose the earlier appointment."
In informal English, it can also occur before a participle, as in “She is likely working remotely.”
A person or thing considered to be probable, suitable, or expected, especially as a candidate.
"The team selected several likelies for further interviews."
This noun use is less common than the adjective and adverb forms.
The word “likely” originally referred to resemblance: something likely looked like what it was meant to be. Its modern sense grew from that idea of appearance into the language of probability.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does likely come from?
The modern English word developed in the Middle English period from a form meaning “like” or “resembling,” with the suffix “-ly.” Its early sense concerned appearance or resemblance, and the idea gradually developed into the modern meanings of probable and credible. The form is related to English “like” and to the noun “likelihood,” both of which preserve the same historical root.
Related word forms
How likely is actually used
“Likely” is standard in formal and informal English. In formal writing, it is often followed by “to” and an infinitive; in conversation, the alternative construction “likely” followed by a participle is common. Its use to mean “suitable” can sound less common than its use with probabilities.
Easily confused with likely
“Likely” describes something probable or expected, whereas “unlikely” describes something improbable or unlikely to happen.