Etymology, English, Likely

Etymology

From Middle English likely, likly, lykly, likliche, from Old English ġelīclīċ (“likely”) and Old Norse líkligr (“likely”), both from Proto-Germanic *līkalīkaz, equivalent to like +‎ -ly.

Adjective

likely (comparative likelier or more likely, superlative likeliest or most likely)

1. probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring

   Rain is likely later this afternoon.

2. (as predicate, followed by to and infinitive) Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable

   They are likely to become angry with him.

   He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.

3. appropriate, suitable; believable; having a good potential

   Jones is a likely candidate for management.

4. plausible; within the realm of credibility

   not a very likely excuse.

5. promising; apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome

   a likely topic for investigation.

6. attractive; pleasant

   I found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.

7. (obsolete) Similar; like; alike.

Noun

likely (plural likelies)

1. Something or somebody considered likely.

Adverb

likely (comparative more likely, superlative most likely) (US)

1. (obsolete) Similarly.
2. Probably.

   Likely he’ll win the election in this economy.

Usage notes

• The adverb is more common in US English than in British English.
• As an adverb, likely is often preceded by a modifier such as most or quite.