likely
adjective uk/ˈlaɪ.kli/ us/ˈlaɪ.kli/
B1 很可能的，可能要发生的
If something is likely, it will probably happen or is expected.
Do remind me because I'm likely to forget. 一定要提醒我，因为我可能会忘记。
What's the likely outcome of this whole business? 整个事件可能会出现什么结果？
I suppose that might happen but it's not very likely. 我认为那样的事也许会发生，但可能性不大。
[ + that ] It's quite likely that we'll be in Spain this time next year. 明年的这个时候我们很可能会在西班牙。
Opposite: unlikely
- More examples
- Children from an underprivileged family background are statistically more likely to become involved in crime.
- She made a rough estimate of the likely cost.
- Disney's latest production looks likely to be their most successful ever.
- It is likely that the suspects have left the country by now.
- The study showed that one in twelve women is likely to develop breast cancer.
Idiom
(that's) a likely story!idiom informal 听起来像真的一样！真会编故事！
said when you do not believe something
"He said he bought them all very cheaply from some guy he knows." "That's a likely story!" “他说那些都是他从一个熟人那里低价买来的。”“说得像真的似的！”
likely
adverb uk/ˈlaɪ.kli/ us/ˈlaɪ.kli/
有可能地
probably
She will likely need surgery. 她有可能需要动手术。
as likely as notC1 很可能
probably
As likely as not, she'll end up in court over this problem. 关于这个问题她最终很可能会诉诸法律。
In those days, a woman would as likely as not be widowed by 50.
If children are not given boundaries, they will as likely as not feel insecure.
You will find a warm welcome at the hotel and, as likely as not, several more groups of walkers.
If you are a billionaire, you as likely as not have several homes scattered around the globe.
most/very likelyC1 非常有可能
very probably
Most likely he'll turn up late.
He died of a heart attack that was most likely hastened by stress.
She's mostly likely going to end up getting a promotion.
His school grades are terrible and he will very likely be held back a year.
She will very likely be sent to jail for fraud.
not likely!B1 informal当然不！
certainly not!
"Do you want to come running with me?" "Not likely!"
"Are you coming to the extra science class?" "Not likely!"
"Are you going to ask her on another date?" "Oh, not likely."
"Do you want to help Peter clean his car?" "Not likely."