Likely, meaning “probably,” is commonly misspelled as “likey.” To avoid this error, remember the correct spelling, “likely,” with an “i” after the “l.” Synonyms include “probably,” “presumably,” and “apparently,” while antonyms include “unlikely,” “improbable,” and “doubtful.” Phrases using “likely” include “most likely,” “very likely,” and “it is likely that.”
Diving into the World of “Likely”: A Comprehensive Guide
Words like “likely” are the building blocks of our language, adding depth and precision to our communication. Today, we embark on a captivating journey into the realm of “likely,” exploring its meaning, common pitfalls, and versatile usage. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this intriguing word, empowering you to wield it like a master communicator.
Defining “Likely”: A Glimpse into Probability
“Likely” stands tall as an adverb that graces our sentences with expressions of probability. It suggests a strong likelihood that something will occur or is true. Picture a scale of probability, with “certain” at one end and “impossible” at the other. “Likely” comfortably resides towards the “certain” end, implying a high chance of something happening.
Example uses:
- “The weather forecast predicts it’s likely to rain tomorrow.”
- “It’s highly likely that the new movie will be a box office hit.”
Common Misspellings of “Likely” and How to Avoid Them
The word “likely” serves as a versatile adverb in our everyday vocabulary, expressing probability or expected outcomes. However, its common misspellings can often trip us up, tarnishing our written communication. To prevent these errors, we embark on a journey to uncover the frequent pitfalls of “likely” and equip you with foolproof strategies for sidestepping them.
1. “Likley” vs. “Likely”
The most prevalent misspelling is “likley,” where the sneaky culprit is the missing “i” after the “l.” Remember, the “i” belongs between the “l” and the “k,” forming the correct spelling of “likely.”
2. “Likeley” vs. “Likely”
Another common pitfall is “likeley,” where an extra “e” sneaks into the party. Just like before, the “i” should be there, holding its own between the “l” and the “k,” leaving no room for an extra vowel.
3. Avoiding the Misspellings
To avoid these misspellings, let’s employ some practical tips:
- Pronunciation: When you pronounce “likely,” pay attention to the sound. The “i” produces a distinct “ih” sound, while the “e” would make it sound like “ah-kay.” This auditory clue can help you identify the correct spelling.
- Mnemonic: Create a memorable mental image to reinforce the spelling. For example, imagine a “like” button with an “i” popping out of it, reminding you of “likely.”
- Spell-Check: Utilize the built-in spell-checker in your word processor or browser. While it’s not foolproof, it can catch many common misspellings, including “likely.”
Synonyms of “Likely”: Expanding Your Vocabulary
Likely is an indispensable term used to express probability and indicate potential outcomes. To enhance your language skills and convey your thoughts precisely, consider these synonyms:
Probable
Probable signifies a high degree of likelihood, suggesting a strong chance of occurrence. It conveys a greater level of certainty compared to likely. Consider using probable when an event is more likely to happen than not, such as:
The weather report indicates a probable chance of rain tomorrow.
Plausible
Plausible denotes an idea or scenario that is believable and reasonable, even if not definitively proven. It suggests a logical explanation or connection, but its truthfulness is not guaranteed. For example:
The plausible explanation for the missing phone is that it fell out of her pocket.
Possible
Possible expresses the existence of a potential outcome, regardless of its likelihood. It acknowledges the chance of something occurring, but without conveying a strong sense of probability. Use possible when the outcome is uncertain or not likely to happen, such as:
It is possible that aliens exist, but there is no concrete evidence to support that claim.
Probable, Plausible, Possible: Nuances of Meaning
While these terms share similarities, subtle differences in their usage emerge:
- Likely implies a higher degree of certainty than plausible, and a greater probability than possible.
- Plausible suggests a belief that something could be true, even if not definitively proven.
- Possible simply acknowledges the existence of an outcome, without indicating the likelihood of its occurrence.
By understanding these nuances, you can effectively convey your intended message and avoid linguistic ambiguity.
Antonyms of “Likely”: Unraveling the Opposite Meanings
In the realm of words, “likely” stands tall, denoting a strong probability or a high degree of expectancy. However, the world of words also holds its opposites, and in this case, the antonyms of “likely” shed light on the spectrum of possibilities.
Unlikely: A Fog of Uncertainty
First among the antonyms is “unlikely.” Unlikely paints a picture of something improbable or doubtful. When “likely” suggests a clear path, “unlikely” obscures the way, casting a mist of uncertainty over the potential outcomes. Consider the scenario:
Although the weather forecast predicted sunshine, it seemed *unlikely that the skies would remain clear throughout the day.*
Improbable: A Distant Mirage
Next comes “improbable,” a word that amplifies the sense of remoteness. Where “unlikely” hints at a glimmer of possibility, “improbable” suggests a near impossibility. It’s like a distant mirage, alluring but ultimately elusive.
Finding a needle in a haystack is considered *improbable, yet not entirely impossible.*
Doubtful: A Wavering Belief
The third antonym, “doubtful,” introduces an element of skepticism. While “likely” instills confidence, “doubtful” sows seeds of uncertainty. It’s a wavering belief, tinged with a sense that things may not turn out as expected.
The outcome of the election remained *doubtful until the final votes were counted.*
The antonyms of “likely” paint a vivid tapestry of possibilities, encompassing the range from the highly probable to the virtually impossible. They serve as indispensable tools in our linguistic toolkit, allowing us to convey the myriad shades of uncertainty and expectation. By understanding these antonyms and their subtle nuances, we empower ourselves to communicate with precision and depth.
Phrases and Expressions with “Likely”
In the realm of linguistic expression, the adverb “likely” dances across our sentences, painting vivid pictures of probability and prediction. It’s not just a solitary word but a versatile component that weaves into common phrases and expressions, each carrying unique nuances.
“In all likelihood” paints a confident brushstroke, expressing high probability or certainty. As in, “It’s in all likelihood going to rain this evening.”
“Likely as not” conveys a sense of balanced possibilities, suggesting equal chances of an outcome. For example, “I’m likely as not to finish the project by Friday.”
“More likely than not” leans towards a higher probability, tipping the scales in favor of a probable occurrence. “It’s more likely than not that you’ll get a promotion.”
“It’s highly likely” or “It’s very likely” evoke a strong sense of probability, suggesting an outcome is almost certain. As in, “It’s highly likely that the new product will be a success.”
“It’s quite likely” or “It’s pretty likely” express a moderate level of probability, indicating a reasonable chance of an event happening. “It’s quite likely that we’ll have a warm spring.”
These phrases and expressions enrich our vocabulary and allow us to express nuances of probability and prediction with precision and clarity. “Likely” becomes a chameleon, adapting to different contexts and adding depth to our written and spoken communication.
Grammar and Usage of “Likely”
The versatile word “likely” graces our vocabulary as an adverb. It often modifies the infinitive form of verbs, lending an air of probability to our statements.
Consider the sentence, “It is likely to rain tomorrow.” Here, “likely” qualifies the infinitive “to rain,” indicating a high chance of precipitation. This usage allows us to express predictions and expectations without absolute certainty.
Another common usage involves employing “likely” to denote a strong possibility. For instance, if we say, “John is likely to be promoted,” we convey a significant probability of John’s career advancement. In such scenarios, “likely” serves as a more tentative alternative to definitive words like “definitely.”
It’s important to note that “likely” is incompatible with the past tense of verbs. Instead, use “likely to have” followed by the past participle to express past probability. For example, “It was likely to have rained last night” suggests a high likelihood of precipitation in the past.
