c. 1300, perhaps from Old Norse likligr "likely," from likr "like" (see like (adj.)). Old English had cognate geliclic. Meaning "having the appearance of being strong and capable" is from mid-15c., though now mostly confined to American English; according to OED this sense is perhaps influenced by like (v.). Sense of "good-looking" is from late 15c. Meaning "probably" is attested from late 14c., now principally in American English.
LIKELY. That may be liked; that may please; handsome. In the United States, as a colloquial term, respectable; worthy of esteem; sensible.--Worcester. [Bartlett]
As an adverb, late 14c., from the adjective.
实用例句
1. Very likely he'd told them he had American business interests.
很可能他已经告诉他们自己拥有美国商业利益.
来自柯林斯例句
2. We aimed the microscope at a likely looking target.
我们把显微镜对准了一个看起来合适的目标。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The fires are likely to permanently deforest the land.
这些火灾很可能会彻底毁掉这片土地上的森林。
来自柯林斯例句
4. These feelings are likely to make people attempt to overthrow the system.
这些情绪有可能促使人们想要推翻现行的体制。
来自柯林斯例句
5. They're likely to hold big fire sales to liquidate their inventory.