TOP

Definition of likely adverb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

likely

adverb
OPAL W
 
/ˈlaɪkli/
 
/ˈlaɪkli/
Idioms
jump to other results
Idioms
as likely as not | most/very likely
  1. very probably
    • As likely as not she's forgotten all about it.
    • The illness was caused, most likely, by a virus.
    Grammar Point likelylikely
    • In standard British English the adverb likely is often used with a word such as most, more or very:
      • We will most likely see him later.
      In the media and in less formal language, however, likely is used on its own:
      • The deal will likely result in more cuts to services.
      In informal North American English likely is often used on its own, and this is not considered incorrect:
      • We will likely see him later.
      • He said that he would likely run for president.
    Topics Doubt, guessing and certaintyb1
not likely!
  1. (especially British English, informal) used to disagree strongly with a statement or suggestion
    • Me? Join the army? Not likely!
    Topics Opinion and argumentc2
See likely in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee likely in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: likely

Other results

All matches
Idioms

Nearby words

previously
adverb
 
 
From the Word list
Oxford 3000
B1
Oxford Learner's Dictionaries Word of the Day