Likely/ˈlaɪkli/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/2Predictive Use Use 'likely' when predicting future events based on current evidence. Given the dark clouds, it's likely that we'll need umbrellas. Pro Tip 2/2Emotional Distance 'Likely' adds a sense of detachment compared to saying something is certain. It's likely he forgot the meeting, rather than he definitely forgot.