Likely vs. Probably: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Likely" suggests a strong probability of something happening or being true, while "probably" indicates that something is more likely to occur or be true than not, but with less certainty than "likely."
Key Differences
Likely is used to describe something that has a strong chance of happening or being true. It conveys a sense of high probability but is not absolute. Probably also indicates that something is more likely to happen than not, but it often implies a slightly lower degree of certainty compared to "likely".
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Likely can be used as both an adjective and an adverb, modifying nouns and verbs respectively, to indicate high probability. For instance, "a likely outcome" or "likely to occur." Probably, however, is primarily used as an adverb, as in "probably going to happen," and it typically modifies verbs.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
In everyday usage, likely often suggests a sense of expectation based on evidence or logical reasoning. It implies that, given the circumstances, the event or fact in question is expected to occur. Probably, while also used to indicate expectation, often conveys a slightly less certain stance, perhaps based more on intuition than on solid evidence.
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Nov 12, 2023
The term likely can also imply suitability or appropriateness, such as in "a likely candidate." This usage is more about suitability than probability. Probably does not share this connotation and is exclusively used to discuss probability.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
When choosing between likely and probably, the context often dictates usage. Likely is more formal and might be preferred in written or official communications. Probably is more colloquial and common in everyday speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Degree of Certainty
Implies a higher degree of certainty.
Slightly lower degree of certainty.
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Nov 12, 2023
Usage Context
More formal, often seen in written text.
More colloquial, common in spoken language.
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Nov 12, 2023
Additional Connotations
Can imply suitability.
Lacks the connotation of suitability.
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Nov 12, 2023
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Likely and Probably Definitions
Likely
Having a high probability of occurring.
It is likely to rain tomorrow.
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Nov 12, 2023
Probably
More likely than not to occur or be true.
She will probably arrive late.
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Nov 12, 2023
Probably
Used to express a high degree of likelihood.
It will probably rain this afternoon.
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Nov 12, 2023
Likely
Suggesting something that is plausible.
A likely explanation for the delay is traffic.
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Nov 12, 2023
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Probably
Suggesting a greater than 50% chance.
You'll probably find him at the office.
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Nov 12, 2023
Likely
Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable
They are likely to become angry with him. See Usage Note at liable.
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Oct 19, 2023
Probably
Indicating something is very likely.
They will probably win the championship.
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Nov 12, 2023
Probably
Expressing belief that something is true.
He's probably the best choice for the role.
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Nov 12, 2023
Likely
Apparently appropriate or suitable
There were several likely candidates for the job.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome; promising
A likely topic for investigation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Attractive; pleasant
Found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Probably
In a probable manner; in likelihood.
Distinguish between what may possibly and what will probably be done.
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Oct 19, 2023
Probably
With considerable certainty; without much doubt;
He is probably out of the country
In all likelihood we are headed for war
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring
Rain is likely later this afternoon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Probably
Easy to believe on the basis of available evidence;
He talked plausibly before the committee
He will probably win the election
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable
They are likely to become angry with him.
He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Appropriate, suitable; believable; having a good potential
Jones is a likely candidate for management.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Promising; apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome
A likely topic for investigation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Attractive; pleasant
I found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.
It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy and conspicuous.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; - followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Having such qualities as make success probable; well adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a likely servant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
In all probability; probably.
While man was innocent he was likely ignorant of nothing that imported him to know.
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Has a good chance of being the case or of coming about;
These services are likely to be available to us all before long
She is likely to forget
A likely place for a restaurant
The broken limb is likely to fall
Rain is likely
A likely topic for investigation
Likely candidates for the job
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Likely but not certain to be or become true or real;
A likely result
He foresaw a probable loss
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Expected to become or be; in prospect;
Potential clients
Expected income
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Within the realm of credibility;
Not a very likely excuse
A plausible story
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
With considerable certainty; without much doubt;
He is probably out of the country
In all likelihood we are headed for war
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Oct 19, 2023
Likely
Having a good chance of being the case.
They are likely to win the game.
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Nov 12, 2023
Likely
Appropriate or probable in a given situation.
He is the likely successor to the position.
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Nov 12, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does likely mean?
Likely means having a good chance of occurring or being true.
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Nov 12, 2023
How is probably different from likely?
Probably is similar but often implies a slightly lower degree of certainty compared to likely.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Does likely have different meanings?
Likely can mean probable or suitable, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Does likely only refer to probability?
Likely primarily refers to probability but can also imply suitability.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
How does probably modify a sentence?
Probably modifies verbs to indicate that something is more likely to happen than not.
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Nov 12, 2023
Can likely be used as an adjective?
Yes, likely can function as both an adjective and an adverb.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Is probably a formal term?
Probably is more colloquial and commonly used in spoken language.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Is likely used in official contexts?
Likely is often used in more formal or written contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Is likely a common word in everyday speech?
Likely is common but more formal than probably.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Does probably have any other meanings?
Probably is used solely to indicate likelihood.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
How do context and tone affect the use of probably?
The use of probably can be influenced by the speaker's tone and the context of the conversation, affecting the implied degree of certainty.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Can probably be used to express certainty?
Probably expresses a high degree of likelihood, but not absolute certainty.
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Nov 12, 2023
Can probably be used to make predictions?
Yes, probably is often used to make predictions about the future.
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Nov 12, 2023
Is probably less certain than definitely?
Yes, probably is less certain than definitely.
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Nov 12, 2023
Can likely indicate a high probability?
Yes, likely indicates a high probability of something happening.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Is probably used in academic writing?
Probably can be used in academic writing but is less formal than likely.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Are likely and probably interchangeable?
They are often interchangeable, but likely is slightly more formal and certain.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Does the usage of likely vary in different English dialects?
The usage of likely can vary slightly but generally retains the same meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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