LIKELY meaning and definition

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What Does "Likely" Mean: A Closer Look at this Common Adverb

In everyday language, we often use the adverb "likely" to express our thoughts and opinions. But have you ever stopped to think about what it actually means? In this article, we'll delve into the world of linguistics and explore the meaning behind this commonly used word.

The Basic Meaning

At its core, "likely" is an adverb that indicates a high probability or possibility of something happening. It's often used to express our judgment or prediction about a future event or outcome. For example:

"It's likely that it will rain tomorrow." (meaning the chance of rain is quite high)
"She's likely to get the job if she presents well at the interview." (meaning there's a strong possibility she'll be hired)

The Relationship with Probability

One way to understand what "likely" means is to consider its connection to probability. Think of it like this: when we say something is "likely," we're implying that the odds are in favor of it happening. In other words, the likelihood of an event occurring increases significantly.

To illustrate this point, imagine a coin flip. If you said, "It's likely that the coin will land on heads," you'd mean that there's a high probability (let's say 75%) that the outcome will be heads. The more "likely" something is, the higher the probability of it happening.

The Role in Conversational Language

In informal conversations, we often use "likely" to soften our statements or express uncertainty. This can make our language sound more casual and friendly:

"I'm likely going to miss the train if I don't leave now." (meaning you're probably running late)
"She's likely to be happy with the new gift." (meaning it's probable she'll enjoy the present)

By using "likely" in this way, we can convey a sense of tentativeness or possibility without committing to a definite outcome.

The Difference from Other Words

While "likely" is often used interchangeably with other words like "probably," "possibly," and "perhaps," there are subtle differences between them:

"Probably" implies a stronger likelihood (e.g., "It's probably going to be sunny tomorrow")
"Possibly" suggests an even lower probability (e.g., "She might possibly get the job")
"Perhaps" is more neutral, indicating that something could happen without emphasizing its likelihood (e.g., "Maybe I'll see you at the party perhaps")

Conclusion

In conclusion, "likely" is an adverb that expresses a high probability or possibility of something happening. It's often used in everyday language to convey our judgments and predictions about future events or outcomes. By understanding what "likely" means, we can refine our use of language and communicate more effectively with others.

Next time you find yourself saying "It's likely..." take a moment to consider the probability behind your words. You might just discover that this humble adverb has more depth than you thought!