WOTW: likely
| - Tim Lake |
今週の #WOTW は ‘likely’ です. ‘Likely’ is an adjective and adverb with a similar meaning to probably. Let’s look at some examples.
:
First the adjective of ‘likely’ which means might happen, might be true or probable. It changes to likelier and likeliest.
:
- Sales are likely to drop further before the post-COVID recovery starts.
- It is likely that travel restrictions will remain in place for the next few months at least.
- It is unlikely they will change their minds.
- The venue will likely be decided in the spring.
:
Another use of the adjective ‘likely’ is to mean promising, or suitable.
:
- The likely candidate for the job has a degree from Cambridge and great references.
- One likely reason for her behaviour is that she is stressed out about her exams.
- Had the government accepted the scientific advice earlier, it is highly likely the worst could have been avoided.
- People are more likely to accept the decision when they clearly know the reasons and risks.
:
The adverb of ‘likely’ means probably, and in British English it usually comes with a sub-modifier such as most, very, quite, more.
:
- It is very likely he will be late.
- Quite likely you will end up hurting yourself.
- The most likely outcome is a draw.
- We will very likely just stay home rather than going out.
:
発音は/ˈlʌɪkli/ です。
:
この単語は、英語で最もよく使われる3,000の単語のリストであるNew General Service Listからのものです。完全なリストはこちらから。
: