likelya.[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.(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.()6. Improbable; unlikely; -- used ironically; as, a likely story.()adv. In all probability; probably.()While man was innocent he was likely ignorant of nothing that imported him to know. (Glanvill.)