Likely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
likely
[หlaษชkli ]
Definitions
probability
Probable or expected to happen or be true.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| likely |
This word is used when there is a good chance that something will happen, but it is not certain. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
|
| probable |
This word is used to indicate a high likelihood of something occurring. It can sound a bit more formal or technical compared to 'likely'.
|
| expected |
This word is used when something is considered probable to happen based on plans or patterns. It often has a basis in logical reasoning or past experiences.
|
Examples of usage
- It is likely that he will be late for the meeting.
- There is a likely chance of rain this afternoon.
probability
In all probability; probably.
Synonyms
in all likelihood, probably.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| likely |
Repeated for correction. Should not be here twice. |
| probably |
Use 'probably' when making a casual or informal prediction about something that is more than 50% probable. Itโs a common word in everyday conversation.
|
| in all likelihood |
This phrase is used to make a more formal or emphatic prediction about something that is very probable. Itโs often seen in written texts, reports, and formal speech.
|
Examples of usage
- She will most likely arrive after 6 pm.
- It will likely be sunny tomorrow.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Humans are naturally inclined to assess probabilities and make predictions based on past experiences and current data.
- The concept of likelihood plays a key role in decision-making processes, helping people choose among uncertain outcomes.
- Cognitive biases can affect how likely we think an event is, often leading to overestimation or underestimation of chances.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'likely story' is often used sarcastically in movies and TV shows, indicating skepticism about someone's claims.
- Musicians, like The Killers, used the theme of likelihood in songs to express emotions of hope and uncertainty.
- Popular cartoons often depict scenarios where things are 'unlikely' to happen, creating humor through exaggerated outcomes.
Mathematics
- In statistics, likelihood refers to the measure of how probable a particular outcome is based on a given model.
- Bayesian probability relies on updating the likelihood of beliefs based on new evidence, shifting uncertainty into informed judgment.
- Common tools, like surveys or polls, often calculate likelihood to predict trends or public opinion on various issues.
Literature
- Likelihood and uncertainty often create tension in literature, pushing plots forward as characters face unpredictable outcomes.
- Authors use the term to build suspense, teasing readers with whatโs likely to happen next while keeping them guessing.
- In poetry, 'likely' can express hopefulness or pessimism, depending on the context in which it is used.
Origin of 'likely'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'likely' comes from Middle English, originally meaning 'likely, probable, or plausible'.
- It's derived from the Old Norse word 'likelyr', which means 'similar' or 'like', showing the connection to probability.
- The term has evolved over centuries, but its core meaning related to chances of outcomes has been consistent.
The word 'likely' originated from the Old English word 'gelic', which means similar or alike. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to express probability or expectation. The use of 'likely' in English can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was used to indicate likelihood or probability. The word has since become a commonly used term in everyday language to express the chance of something happening.
See also: alike, alikeness, dislike, disliked, likable, like, likelihood, liken, likeness, likewise, liking, unlike, unlikeliness.