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[ adjective ] has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
Examples "these services are likely to be available to us all before long" "she is likely to forget" "the broken limb is likely to fall" "rain is likely" "likely candidates for the job" Used in print (St. Louis Post-Dispatch,...)Friend is off to a great start with a 4 - 0 record but is n't likely to see action here this week . (The Times-Picayune, [New Orleans]...)The latter is likely to occur when the thyroid is removed . (William G. Pollard, Physicist and Christian....)In searching for clues which might lead us to a fresh apprehension of the reality of spirit , the close connection between spirit and community is likely to prove the most fruitful . (Organic Gardening and Farming,...)Whenever there is a thaw or a_few sunny days , you 'll be likely to find a brave little blossom or two . (High Fidelity, 11:10...)The Presto ma_non_assai of the first trio of the scherzo is taken literally and may shock you , as the real Allegro_con_spirito of the finale is likely to bring you to your feet . |
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[ adverb ] with considerable certainty; without much doubt
Examples "He is probably out of the country" "in all likelihood we are headed for war" Used in print (David Boroff, "Jewish Teen-Age Culture"...)The Ivy_League enjoys no easy dominion here , and the boys are as likely to dress in rather foppish Continental fashion , or even in nondescript working_class manner , as they are in the restrained , button-down Ivy way . (Newton Stallknecht, "Ideas and Literature," in Newton S...)Very likely it will also include a recognition that the work we are reading reflects or `` belongs_to '' some way of thought labelled as a `` school '' or an `` - ism '' , i._e. a complex or `` syndrome '' of ideas occurring together with sufficient prominence to warrant identification . |
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[ adjective ] likely but not certain to be or become true or real
Examples "a likely result" "he foresaw a probable loss" Used in print (Douglas Ashford, "Elections in Morocco: Progress...)Centrally , however , the administrative problem was more complex and the sheer prestige of office was very likely an unfair advantage . Related terms |
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[ adjective ] expected to become or be; in prospect
Examples "potential clients" "expected income" Related terms |
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