请输入您要查询的英文单词:

 

单词 likely
释义

likely

adjective
 OPAL WOPAL S
/ˈlaɪkli/
/ˈlaɪkli/
(comparative likelier, superlative likeliest)
Idioms
jump to other results
  1.  
    having a good chance of happening or being something; probable or expected
    • the most likely explanation/outcome/scenario
    • the likely cause/consequence
    • a likely nominee/contender/winner
    • A threat level of ‘Severe’ means a terrorist attack is highly likely.
    • They might ask for help or, more likely, just give up.
    • likely to do something Tickets are likely to be expensive.
    • The beetles are likely to cause damage.
    • There is likely to be heavy snowfall.
    • likely (that)… It's hardly likely (that) they'll refuse.
    • It is quite likely the discussion may never take place.
    Express Yourself Expressing likelihoodExpressing likelihoodWhen you are talking about possible situations, you can express how likely you think they are:
      • It's pretty much inevitable that prices will go up this year.
      • I think it's likely to rain this afternoon.
      • I’m probably going to be away then.
      • I guess there's a fifty per cent chance that they'll say no.
      • It's unlikely, but not totally impossible, I suppose.
      • They can't possibly/​really be serious about buying a boat!
      • Let's start without them. They're bound to be late.
    Language Bank expectexpectDiscussing predictions
      • By 2050, one in six people on the planet will be aged 65 or over.
      • The number of people globally aged 65 and over is expected/likely to more than double by 2050.
      • Experts have predicted/forecast that the over-65s will make up 17 per cent of the global population by 2050.
      • World population is set to reach 9.8 billion by 2050.
      • Net migration into Britain over the last decade was higher than expected.
      • Overall population growth in Britain has been in line with predictions.
    Extra Examples
    • What is the most likely cause of the infection?
    • It's very likely they already have their own website.
    • Workplaces that scored highest for employee satisfaction were 38% more likely to have above-average productivity.
    • Severe storms are most likely to occur in October and November.
    • Older people are more likely to die of the disease.
    • Women are more likely to suffer from the condition than men.
    • You are less likely to have problems if you plan ahead.
    • It is likely to remain cold all weekend.
    • This is one of the strangest art galleries you're ever likely to see.
    • This is likely to cause problems further down the line.
    • Economists warn that this willingness to lend is not likely to continue.
    • The most likely explanation for these changes is a decline in insect numbers.
    • I think there's a more likely explanation.
    • We need to talk honestly about the likely outcomes of these different choices.
    • We'd be fine if someone gave us $200,000 but that, unfortunately, is not a likely scenario.
    • The rising cost of housing is the most likely culprit.
    • We discussed the likely consequences of the vote.
    • The retiring Chairman was photographed having lunch with his likely successor.
    • a list of likely Oscar nominees
    • His movie is still the most likely winner of this year's Best Picture.
    • a development they believed would make nuclear war more likely
    • Juries became increasingly likely to acquit.
    • Violence may appeal to some viewers, but it's equally likely to put people off.
    • They're hardly likely to get home before ten.
    • This match was never likely to be a classic.
    • It is entirely likely that the company will make another offer.
    • It's more than likely that the thieves don't know how much it is worth.
    • It is highly likely that the factory will have to close.
    • The doctors didn't think it likely that she would ever heal completely.
    Topics Doubt, guessing and certaintya2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • appear
    • be
    • look
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    See full entry
  2. seeming suitable for a purpose synonym promising
    • She seems the most likely candidate for the job.
  3. Word OriginMiddle English: from Old Norse líkligr, from líkr; related to alike.
Idioms
a likely story
  1. (informal, ironic) used to show that you do not believe what somebody has said
    • You just found it lying in the street? A likely story!
    • He said he'd met Rihanna. A likely story.

likely

adverb
OPAL W
/ˈlaɪkli/
/ˈlaɪkli/
Idioms
jump to other results
Idioms
as likely as not | most/very likely
  1. very probably
    • As likely as not she's forgotten all about it.
    • The illness was caused, most likely, by a virus.
    Grammar Point likelylikely
    • In standard British English the adverb likely is often used with a word such as most, more or very:
      • We will most likely see him later.
      In journalism and less formal language, however, likely is used on its own:
      • The deal will likely result in more cuts to services.
      In informal North American English likely is often used on its own, and this is not considered incorrect:
      • We will likely see him later.
      • He said that he would likely run for President.
    Topics Doubt, guessing and certaintyb1
not likely!
  1. (informal, especially British English) used to disagree strongly with a statement or suggestion
    • Me? Join the army? Not likely!
    Topics Opinion and argumentc2
随便看

 

英语词典包含84843条英英释义在线翻译词条,基本涵盖了全部常用单词的英英翻译及用法,是英语学习的有利工具。

 

Copyright © 2004-2022 Newdu.com All Rights Reserved
更新时间:2024/12/23 19:44:08