The spelling of "thinks likely" can be tricky due to the silent "k" in "thinks". The IPA phonetic transcription for "thinks" is /θɪŋks/. The final "s" in "thinks" is followed by the silent "k" which then blends into the "l" sound in "likely". The IPA phonetic transcription for "likely" is /ˈlaɪkli/. Therefore, the correct spelling should be "thinks likely" instead of the common mistake of writing "think's likely" with an apostrophe before the "s".
"Thinks likely" can be defined as an expression that denotes a probabilistic assessment or an opinion on the likelihood of a particular event, situation, or outcome. It is a phrase that implies a certain degree of belief or expectation based on available knowledge, reasoning, or evidence.
The combination of the verb "thinks" and the adjective "likely" suggests that the speaker or thinker believes that something has a high chance or probability of happening. It conveys the idea that the individual has considered various factors, information, or past experiences and has arrived at a subjective judgment regarding the probability of a specific occurrence.
The phrase "thinks likely" is often utilized to express personal opinions, predictions, or perspectives that are not stated with absolute certainty, but rather showcase a belief that something is probable or plausible. It acknowledges the potential for other interpretations or alternative outcomes, emphasizing that it is a reasoned assessment rather than an incontrovertible truth.
In conclusion, the phrase "thinks likely" encompasses the individual's subjective estimation or belief regarding the probability or likelihood of an event or circumstance occurring. It reflects a degree of confidence in the anticipated outcome, based on personal judgment, reasoning, or evidence, while also acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of the future.
The phrase "thinks likely" does not have a specific etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two separate words. However, we can discuss the etymology of each word individually:
1. Thinks: The word "thinks" is the third-person singular form of the verb "to think". Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "thencan", which means "to conceive in the mind, consider". It evolved through Middle English and ultimately originated from the Proto-Germanic word "thankjaną", meaning "to think" or "to conceive".
2. Likely: The word "likely" comes from the Middle English term "likli", which means "probably" or "apt to please". It further derives from the Old Norse word "likligr", combining "likr" (body, form) and "liggr" (to lie).