How Do You Spell LIKELY?

Pronunciation: [lˈa͡ɪkli] (IPA)

"Likely" is a commonly used word in the English language that is spelled with seven letters. Its phonetic transcription in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ˈlaɪkli/. The word has two syllables, with the primary stress on the first syllable. It is derived from the Old English word "lician," which means to "please" or "desire." "Likely" is often used to express probability or the possibility of something happening, making it a useful word in everyday conversation and writing.

LIKELY Meaning and Definition

  1. Likely is an adjective that describes the probability or chance of something happening. It indicates a high degree of possibility or likelihood that a particular event, outcome, or condition will occur. The term is often used to express a prediction or expectation based on evidence, logic, or previous occurrences.

    In the context of probability, likely means that an event or outcome is more probable than not, suggesting that it is probable or expected to happen, but not guaranteed. It signifies that there is a good chance or a reasonable expectation that something will occur. The degree of likelihood can vary, with some instances being more likely than others.

    Likely can also be used to express plausibility or reasonableness. It implies that something is believable, credible, or convincing based on available information or evidence. It implies that an assertion or conclusion is more likely to be true or accurate than not.

    Furthermore, likely can also refer to someone or something displaying qualities, characteristics, or behaviors that suggest a high probability of success or suitability. In this sense, likely indicates that a particular person, thing, or course of action is well-suited or appropriate for a particular purpose or goal.

    Overall, likely serves as an indicator of the probable, believable, or suitable nature of something, and it is commonly used to express the probability, plausibility, or aptness of an event, outcome, assertion, or quality.

  2. • Probably.
    • Probable; that may be thought more reasonable than the contrary; such as may be liked; pleasing; promising.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for LIKELY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for LIKELY

Etymology of LIKELY

The word "likely" comes from the Old English word "gelic", which means "similar" or "alike". It is derived from the Old Norse word "līkligr", which also means "similar" or "probable". Over time, these words evolved and merged to form the modern English word "likely".

Idioms with the word LIKELY

  • (that's) a likely story! The idiom "(that's) a likely story!" is used to express skepticism or disbelief towards someone's explanation or excuse. It implies that the statement being made is improbable, exaggerated, or simply not believable.
  • A likely story The idiom "A likely story" is typically used as a sarcastic response to someone's explanation or excuse that is seen as unbelievable or unlikely to be true. It implies skepticism or doubt towards the credibility of the presented story.
  • Not likely. The idiom "Not likely" is used to express disbelief or skepticism about the possibility of something happening. It suggests that the chances or likelihood of the mentioned event or situation occurring is very low or improbable.
  • as likely as not The idiom "as likely as not" means something is equally likely to happen as not happen, with uncertain or indeterminate odds.
  • most/very likely The idiom "most/very likely" means that something is highly probable or extremely probable to happen. It indicates a strong likelihood or high degree of certainty about the occurrence of an event or the truth of a statement.
  • likely story The idiom "likely story" is used to express doubt or disbelief about something that has been said or claimed. It implies that the story or explanation being told is considered improbable or highly unlikely to be true.
  • not bloody likely The idiom "not bloody likely" is an informal expression used to convey extreme disbelief or serious doubt regarding the possibility of a certain event or situation occurring. It is often employed to emphasize the speaker's disbelief or refusal to accept something as possible.
  • *likely as not Likely as not means in all likelihood or very probably; most likely.

Similar spelling words for LIKELY

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