1. 可能的；有希望的　probable;that is expected
2. 适合的　that seems suitable for a purpose

　They are likeliest candidates.　他们是最有可能当选的候选人。
　That's the likeliest suggestion we've heard yet.　那是我们迄今听到的最有可能被采纳的建议。
　They are likely young men.　他们是有希望的青年人。
　He is likeliest person for the job.　他是最适合做这份工作的人。
　He says he just forgot about it—a likely story!　他说他仅仅是忘了——像煞有介事！
　That's a likely story!　说得倒真像那么一回事！
　Rain is likely in all parts of the country today.　今天全国各地区都可能下雨。
　They are likely to be free this afternoon.　他们今天下午或许有空。
　He seems likely to pass the exam.　他似乎有可能通过考试。
　The harvest seems likely to be good this year.　今年的收成可能会好。
　It is not likely that he will come.　他不一定来。
　It isn't likely that I should accept such an offer as that.　我不可能接受像那样的帮助。
　It seems likely that prices will go up.　物价似乎有可能上涨。

 ♣ likely, apt
　参见apt条。
 ♣ likely, possible, probable
　参见probable条。

　可能　probably

　They'll very likely come by car.　他们很可能开车来。

 ♣ as likely as not
　（很）可能　probably
　As likely as not she's forgotten all about it.　她很可能把这事忘得一干二净了。

　［同义词］ adj. believable, rational, reasonable, similar
　［反义词］ adj. dubious
　［词源］中古英语likly（很可能的，多半）