Likely
Adjective, Adverb
UK
/ˈlaɪk.li/
US
/ˈlaɪk.li/
Definition
(adj/adv) : Having a good chance of happening or expected to happen.
Example
"(adj) : It is likely to rain today."
"(adj) : He is the likely winner because he practiced every day and performed very well."
"(adv) : He will likely join them later since he finishes work early today."
Explanation
Likely means something that has a good chance of happening. For example, It is likely to rain today, meaning rain is expected. It can also describe a person who is suitable for something, or has a good chance of doing something, like she is a likely candidate for the team because she practices every day and shows strong skills, meaning she has a strong chance. As an adverb (informal), it can show that something will almost happen, such as he will likely come, meaning he is expected to come. The word is about possibility and high chance.