c. 1300, perhaps from Old Norse likligr "likely," from likr "like" (see like (adj.)). Old English had cognate geliclic. Meaning "having the appearance of being strong and capable" is from mid-15c., though now mostly confined to American English; according to OED this sense is perhaps influenced by like (v.). Sense of "good-looking" is from late 15c. Meaning "probably" is attested from late 14c., now principally in American English.
LIKELY. That may be liked; that may please; handsome. In the United States, as a colloquial term, respectable; worthy of esteem; sensible.--Worcester. [Bartlett]
As an adverb, late 14c., from the adjective.
例文
1. Very likely he 'd told them he had American business interests.
彼はすでに彼らにアメリカの商業利益を持っていることを教えている可能性が高い。
2.We aimed the microscope at a likely looking target.
顕微鏡を適切に見える目標に合わせました。
3.The fires are likely to permanently deforest the land.
これらの火災はこの土地の森を完全に破壊する可能性が高い。
4.These feelings are likely to make people attempt to overthrow the system.
これらの感情は、現行の体制を転覆させようとする可能性がある。
5.They 're likely to hold big fire sales to liquidate their inventory.