ˈlaɪkli Highly Adjective Explanation/Outcome/Scenario Cause/Consequence Nominee/Contender/Winner Threat Level

• the most likely explanation/outcome/scenario
• the likely cause/consequence
• a likely nominee/contender/winner
• a threat level of ‘severe’ means a terrorist attack is highly likely.

likely

1. having a good chance of happening or being something; probable or expected
• the most likely explanation/outcome/scenario
• the likely cause/consequence
• a likely nominee/contender/winner
• A threat level of ‘Severe’ means a terrorist attack is highly likely.
• They might ask for help or, more likely, just give up.
• Tickets are likely to be expensive.
• The beetles are likely to cause damage.
• There is likely to be heavy snowfall.
• It's hardly likely (that) they'll refuse.
• It is quite likely the discussion may never take place.

Extra Examples

• What is the most likely cause of the infection?
• It's very likely they already have their own website.
• Workplaces that scored highest for employee satisfaction were 38% more likely to have above-average productivity.
• Severe storms are most likely to occur in October and November.
• Older people are more likely to die of the disease.
• Women are more likely to suffer from the condition than men.
• You are less likely to have problems if you plan ahead.
• It is likely to remain cold all weekend.
• This is one of the strangest art galleries you're ever likely to see.
• This is likely to cause problems further down the line.
• Economists warn that this willingness to lend is not likely to continue.
• The most likely explanation for these changes is a decline in insect numbers.
• I think there's a more likely explanation.
• We need to talk honestly about the likely outcomes of these different choices.
• We'd be fine if someone gave us $200,000 but that, unfortunately, is not a likely scenario.
• The rising cost of housing is the most likely culprit.
• We discussed the likely consequences of the vote.
• The retiring Chairman was photographed having lunch with his likely successor.
• a list of likely Oscar nominees
• His movie is still the most likely winner of this year's Best Picture.
• a development they believed would make nuclear war more likely
• Juries became increasingly likely to acquit.
• Violence may appeal to some viewers, but it's equally likely to put people off.
• They're hardly likely to get home before ten.
• This match was never likely to be a classic.
• It is entirely likely that the company will make another offer.
• It's more than likely that the thieves don't know how much it is worth.
• It is highly likely that the factory will have to close.
• The doctors didn't think it likely that she would ever heal completely.
2. seeming suitable for a purpose
• SYNONYM promising
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/promising
• She seems the most likely candidate for the job.
3. used to show that you do not believe what somebody has said
• You just found it lying in the street? A likely story!
• He said he'd met Rihanna. A likely story.

Word Origin

• Middle English: from Old Norse líkligr, from líkr; related to alike.