Like"ly, a. [Compar. Likelier (līk"l&ibreve;*&etilde;r); superl. Likeliest.] [That is, like- like. See Like, a.] 1. Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.

It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy and conspicuous.

2. Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; -- followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.

3. Similar; like; alike. [Obs.] Spenser.

4. Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable; handsome. Shak. Milton.

5. Having such qualities as make success probable; well adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a likely servant.

Like"ly, adv. In all probability; probably.

While man was innocent he was likely ignorant of nothing that imported him to know.

• probable; having a good chance of occuring
       Rain is likely later this afternoon.
  
• probable; Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable
       They are likely to become angry with him.
  
• appropriate; believable; having a good potential
       Jones is a likely candidate for management.
  
• plausible; Within the realm of credibility
       not a very likely excuse.
  
• suitable; Apparently appropriate or suitable
       There were several likely candidates for the job.
  
• promising; Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome
       a likely topic for investigation.
  
• Attractive; pleasant
       found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.