likely1/ˋlaIklI; ˈlaIkli/adj probably true or probably going to happen [ unlikely ] 很可能是确实的﹔很有可能发生的: Snow showers are likely tomorrow. 明天很可能有阵雪。the most likely cause of the problem 造成这个问题最有可能的原因likely to do/be sth Young drivers are more likely to have accidents than older drivers. 年轻司机比年长司机更有可能发生车祸。It is more than likely (=almost certain) the votes will have to be recounted. 几乎可以肯定选票将要重新点算。
likely2adv 1 probably 可能: most/very likely I’d very likely have done the same thing. 我很可能也会这样做。2 not likely especially BrE spoken used to say that you definitely will not do something【尤英, 口】不可能〔用于表示肯定不会做某事〕: ‘Are you inviting Mary to the party?’ ‘Not likely!’ “你打算邀请玛丽参加聚会吗?”“才不呢!”