Like″ly, a. [Compar.Likelier (līk″lĭ‐ẽr); 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. 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.