Likley vs. Likely — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
"Likley" is an incorrect spelling, whereas "likely" is correct and means probable or expected.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Likley or Likely
How to spell Likely?
Likley
Incorrect Spelling
Likely
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
"Likely" rhymes with "spikely", keeping the "e" before "ly".
Visualize "likely" as the more probable choice in spelling.
Remember "like" as the base, just add a "ly" at the end.
Recall that there's no "ey" in "likely".
Associate "likely" with common words like "lonely" and "simply" that also end in "ly".
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How Do You Spell Likely Correctly?
Incorrect: It's likley going to rain tomorrow according to the forecast.
Correct: It's likely going to rain tomorrow according to the forecast.
Incorrect: They are likley to arrive late because of the traffic.
Correct: They are likely to arrive late because of the traffic.
Incorrect: She is considered the most likley candidate for the job.
Correct: She is considered the most likely candidate for the job.
Incorrect: This plan is the most likley to succeed.
Correct: This plan is the most likely to succeed.
Incorrect: He is likley to win the race because of his speed.
Correct: He is likely to win the race because of his speed.
Likely Definitions
Likely can describe something or someone showing promise.
She's a likely candidate for the job.
Likely means probable or expected to happen.
It's likely to rain today.
Likely also suggests a plausible statement.
It's likely that he forgot.
Likely refers to something or someone seeming truthful.
His story seems likely.
Likely can mean suitable or appropriate.
This is a likely spot for a picnic.
Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable
They are likely to become angry with him. See Usage Note at liable.
Within the realm of credibility; plausible
Not a very likely excuse.
Apparently appropriate or suitable
There were several likely candidates for the job.
Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome; promising
A likely topic for investigation.
Attractive; pleasant
Found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
Probably
They'll likely buy a new car soon.
Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring
Rain is likely later this afternoon.
Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable
They are likely to become angry with him.
He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.
Appropriate, suitable; believable; having a good potential
Jones is a likely candidate for management.
Plausible; within the realm of credibility
Not a very likely excuse.
Promising; apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome
A likely topic for investigation.
(obsolete) Similar; like; alike.
Something or somebody considered likely.
(obsolete) Similarly.
Probably.
Likely he’ll win the election in this economy.
Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.
It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy and conspicuous.
Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; - followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.
Similar; like; alike.
Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable; handsome.
Having such qualities as make success probable; well adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a likely servant.
Improbable; unlikely; - used ironically; as, a likely story.
In all probability; probably.
While man was innocent he was likely ignorant of nothing that imported him to know.
Has a good chance of being the case or of coming about;
These services are likely to be available to us all before long
She is likely to forget
A likely place for a restaurant
The broken limb is likely to fall
Rain is likely
A likely topic for investigation
Likely candidates for the job
Likely but not certain to be or become true or real;
A likely result
He foresaw a probable loss
Expected to become or be; in prospect;
Potential clients
Expected income
Within the realm of credibility;
Not a very likely excuse
A plausible story
With considerable certainty; without much doubt;
He is probably out of the country
In all likelihood we are headed for war
Likely Meaning in a Sentence
That sounds like a likely story, but I need more proof.
She's likely to become the next captain of the soccer team.
If you study hard, it's likely that you'll pass the test.
The teacher said it's likely we will have a quiz tomorrow.
With his experience, he's likely the best person for the manager position.
It's likely that we'll go to the beach this weekend if the weather is nice.
It's likely that the library will be crowded during finals week.
If you practice every day, it's likely you'll improve quickly.
They're likely to say yes if you explain the situation clearly.
The forecast says it's likely to snow tonight.
Considering his skills, he's likely to win the competition.
She's likely to be the first in her family to graduate from college.
It's likely that we'll see more innovation in this field soon.
Given the evidence, it's likely that the jury will find him guilty.
If you leave now, you're likely to beat the traffic.
They're likely to announce the new product next month.
The company is likely to expand its operations next year.
Based on his track record, he's likely to succeed in his new role.
With the current trends, it's likely that prices will go up.
If you're not careful, it's likely you'll make a mistake.
Given her qualifications, she's likely to get the scholarship.
It's likely that we'll need to update our plans based on this information.
It's likely that he'll be late; he always is.
It's likely that the meeting will end early.
If the weather holds, it's likely we'll have a great day for the picnic.
Likely Idioms & Phrases
A likely story
A statement that is hard to believe.
He said he was late because his car broke down, but that sounds like a likely story.
As likely as not
Almost certainly.
As likely as not, we'll get lost without a map.
Likely as not
Probably; there is a good chance.
Likely as not, she'll forget to bring the tickets.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of likely?
The root word is "like."
What is the pronunciation of likely?
Likely is pronounced as LYKE-lee.
Why is it called likely?
It is called "likely" derived from the word "like" implying similarity or probability.
What is the verb form of likely?
"Likely" doesn't have a verb form; it's an adjective or adverb.
What is the singular form of likely?
"Likely" itself is singular.
Which preposition is used with likely?
"To" can be used as in "likely to happen."
Is likely an adverb?
Yes, "likely" can be used as an adverb as in "most likely."
Which vowel is used before likely?
The vowel "e" is used before the "ly" in likely.
Which article is used with likely?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with "likely" depending on the context.
Which conjunction is used with likely?
Any conjunction can be used with "likely" depending on the sentence, like "and" or "but."
Is likely an abstract noun?
No, likely is not an abstract noun.
What is the plural form of likely?
"Likely" does not have a plural form.
Is the word likely imperative?
No, "likely" is not imperative.
How many syllables are in likely?
There are two syllables in likely.
What is the opposite of likely?
Unlikely.
What is a stressed syllable in likely?
The first syllable "like" is stressed.
What is the second form of likely?
"Likely" doesn't have verb forms.
What is the first form of likely?
"Likely" doesn't have verb forms.
Is likely a collective noun?
No, likely is not a collective noun.
What part of speech is likely?
Likely is primarily an adjective and can also be used as an adverb.
What is another term for likely?
Probable.
Which determiner is used with likely?
Determiners like "this" or "that" can be used with "likely."
What is the third form of likely?
"Likely" doesn't have verb forms.
How is likely used in a sentence?
"It is likely that the event will be postponed due to rain."
Is likely a noun or adjective?
Likely is primarily an adjective but can also be used as an adverb.
Is likely a negative or positive word?
Likely is neutral; its connotation depends on context.
Is likely a vowel or consonant?
"Likely" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is likely a countable noun?
Likely is not a noun; it's an adjective/adverb.
Is the likely term a metaphor?
No, the term "likely" is not inherently metaphorical.
How do we divide likely into syllables?
Like-ly.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
