01 a. Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.
-
1.
Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.“It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy and conspicuous.” — Johnson.
-
2.
Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; -- followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.
-
3.
Similar; like; alike.[Obs.]
-
4.
Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable; handsome.
-
5.
Having such qualities as make success probable; well adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a likely servant.
-
6.
Improbable; unlikely; -- used ironically; as, a likely story.[informal]