/'laɪklɪ; `laɪklɪ/
adj (-ier, -iest)
1 ~ (to do sth/that...) that is expected; probable 预期的; 可能的
*the likely outcome, winner 预料的结果、胜者
* It isn't likely to rain. 不大像要下雨.
* She's very likely to ring me tonight. 她今晚很可能给我打电话.
* It's very likely that she'll ring me tonight. 很可能今晚她给我打电话.
2 that seems suitable for a purpose 似适合于某用途的
*This looks a likely field for mushrooms. 这地看来适合长蘑菇.
* a likely-looking candidate, ie one expected to succeed 很可能当选的候选人.
3 (idm 习语) a `likely story (ironic 反语) (used to express scorn and disbelief about what sb has said 用以表示对某人的话不屑一听和不相信)
*He says he just forgot about it a likely story! 他说他仅仅是忘了--像煞有介事!

adv (idm 习语) as ,likely as `not; most/very `likely (very) probably （很）可能
*As likely as not she's forgotten all about it. 很可能她把这事忘得一乾二净. not (bloody, etc) `likely! (infml 口) certainly not 决不可能; 当然不会
*Me? Join the army? Not likely! 我? 参军? 没门儿!