likely

[US]/ˈlaɪkli/
[UK]/ˈlaɪkli/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. probable; promising; suitable
adv. probably

Phrases & Collocations

most likely

highly likely

seems likely

is likely to

less likely

much more likely

Example Sentences

invent a likely excuse.

not a very likely excuse.

a likely topic for investigation.

The train is likely to be late.

their marriage is likely to fall apart.

They are likely to become angry with him.

It is very likely that he will not consent.

Germination most likely hypogeal.

this is likely to become the authoritative study of the subject.

this is likely to incentivize management to find savings.

speculation on the likely effect of opting out.

we will most likely go to a bar.

words likely to be meaningful to pupils.

delay is likely to prejudice the child's welfare.

these benefits are likely to be short-lived.

the private sector is here to stay and likely to expand.

park illegally and you are likely to be ticketed.

She is not likely to come next month.

Real-world Examples

That face time seems more likely to develop friendships.

Source: 50 Sample Essays for English Major Level 8 Exam Memorization

Begging larvae were 13 times more likely than laid-back larvae to be eaten by mom.

Source: Science in 60 Seconds Listening Compilation September 2013

Since bacteria are the most likely cause, antibiotics are often prescribed.

Source: Osmosis - Respiration

The most likely explanation, something called parthenogenesis.

Source: CNN 10 Student English of the Month

I believe most likely most of you here have lost someone.

Source: TED Talks (Video Version) Bilingual Selection

People who make plans are twice as likely to achieve their resolution.

Source: 2021 New Year Special Edition

So is that likely? Are they likely to get that international help?

Source: NPR News February 2016 Compilation

And black and Latino households are twice as likely.

Source: VOA Standard English (Video Version) - 2023 Collection

And I was not the most likely to succeed.

Source: What it takes: Celebrity Interviews

However, you are also the most likely to be complacent.

Source: 2019 New Year Special Edition

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