(likelier, likeliest)
1
- such as well might happen or be true; probable很可能的：
speculation on the likely effect of opting out
对退出后可能产生的后果的推测
with clause it was likely that he would make a televised statement他很可能会发表电视声明
with infinitive sales are likely to drop further.销售额很可能继续下降。
2
- apparently suitable; promising看上去适合的, 有前途的：
a likely-looking spot.
看上去很合适的地方。
2.1
- appearing to have vigour or ability看上去精力充沛（或有能力）的：
likely lads.
有能力的年轻人。
- probably很可能地：
we will most likely go to a bar.
我们很有可能去酒吧。
USAGE
In standard British English the adverb likely must be preceded by a submodifier such as very, most, or more, as in we will most likely see him later. In informal US English， use without a submodifier is very common and not regarded as incorrect， as in we will likely see him later.
短语
a likely story
- used to express disbelief of an account or excuse表示对陈述和借口的怀疑编出来的吧, 假的吧：
'She's your lodger? A likely story!'
“她是你的房客？谁信啊？”
as likely as not
- probably很可能：
I won't take their pills, because as likely as not they'd poison me.
我才不吃他们的药呢, 他们很有可能要毒死我。
not likely!
- informal certainly not; I refuse〈非正式〉当然不, 我不干：
'Are you going home ?''Not likely!'
“你要回家吗？”“当然不！”
派生词
likeliness
noun词源
Middle English: from Old Norse likligr, from likr （see LIKE1 ）.