Likely \Like"ly\, a. [Compar. Likelier (l[imac]k"l[i^]*[~e]r);
superl. Likeliest.]
[That is, like-like. See Like, a.]
1. Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.
It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy
and conspicuous. --Johnson.
2. Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; --
followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.
3. Similar; like; alike. [Obs.]
--Spenser.
4. Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable;
handsome. --Shak. Milton.
5. Having such qualities as make success probable; well
adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a
likely servant.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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