Like"ly, a. [Compar. Likelier (?); 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.
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.]
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.
© Webster 1913.
Like"ly, adv.
In all probability; probably.
While man was innocent he was likely ignorant of nothing that imported him to know.
Glanvill.
© Webster 1913.