likely

liable, apt, likely, prone, subject

形容词 likely:

1. has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
2. likely but not certain to be or become true or real
   同义词：probable
3. expected to become or be; in prospect
   同义词：expected, potential
4. within the realm of credibility

副词 likely:

1. with considerable certainty; without much doubt
   同义词：probably, in all likelihood, in all probability, belike

1. I've heard whispers that the firm is likely to go bankrupt.
   我听到传闻说公司很可能要破产。
2. I think I'm likely to get the job, but if Bob applies for it too it/he could queer my pitch.
   我想我很可能得到这份工作，可是假设鲍勃也申请的话，那[他]可能使我的计画落空。
3. The proposed tax changes are likely to prove a banana skin for the Government.
   建议中的税务变动很可能给政府带来无穷後患。
4. As likely as not she's forgotten all about it.
   很可能她把这事忘得一乾二净。
5. They'll very likely ask for an increase in the budget.
   他们很可能会要求增加预算。
6. I'm likely to be very busy tomorrow.
   明天我可能很忙。

like.ly

adj.（形容词）
like.li.er,like.li.est
Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable:
可能的：具有或显示使某事成为可能的特征或品质：
例句：
They are likely to become angry with him.
他们可能会对他发怒

Within the realm of credibility; plausible:
象是可靠的；似乎有理的：
例句：
not a very likely excuse.
不太令人信服的理由

Apparently appropriate or suitable:
似乎合适的：显出很合适或适宜的：
例句：
There were several likely candidates for the job.
有好几个比较适合这项工作的人选

Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome; promising:
有希望的：倾向于成功或得到预定效果的；有指望的：
例句：
a likely topic for investigation.
前景可观的调查主题

Attractive; pleasant:
漂亮的；有吸引力的：
例句：
found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
在树荫下找到了宜人的野餐的好地方

adv.Usage Problem （副词）【用法疑难】
Probably.
可能的

来源：
Middle English likly
中古英语 likly
from Old English gelocloc from geloc [similar]
源自 古英语 gelocloc 源自 geloc [相似的]
and from Old Norse lokligr from lokr [similar] * see lok-
并源自 古斯堪的纳维亚语 lokligr 源自 lokr [类似的] *参见 lok-

Used as an adverblikely is most commonly preceded by a qualifier such as very or quite :
作为副词用时，likely 前通常会有修饰性的词，如 very 或 quite ：
例句：
He will quite likely require some help with his classes.
在学习上他极可能需要帮助。

But the unmodified use oflikely is common enough in educated writing, and though it might be better avoided in highly formal style,it should not be regarded as incorrect:
但在受过教育的人的写作中，likely 前不加任何修饰的用法很普遍， 虽然在非常正式的文体中最好避免这种用法，但不应该将它看作是不正确的用法：
例句：
They`ll likely buy a new car this year. See Usage Note at liable
他们今年可能会买辆新车 参见 liable