Likely Definition & Meaning

likely
adverb
  1. with considerable certainty; without much doubt; "He is probably out of the country"; "in all likelihood we are headed for war"
adjective
  1. 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"
  2. likely but not certain to be or become true or real; "a likely result"; "he foresaw a probable loss"
  3. expected to become or be; in prospect; "potential clients"
  4. within the realm of credibility; "not a very likely excuse"

"Likely" in song lyrics

See how likely is used in real songs:

  • "Don't ever strike me, rollin' with Crypt that's more than likely"
    Army of the Pharaohs — Frontline
  • "Who got me? Yeah my dogs most likely"
    Army of the Pharaohs — Strike Back
  • "Or prototype 693, rolling down rotating corridors likely"
    Atoms Family — Most Can't Comprehend

Usage tips for "likely"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "likely" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for likely to find words that pair well.

Use "likely" in a verse

Now that you know what "likely" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

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