1. likely (adv.) 有可能地
Likely 可作副词使用，意思为「有可能地，大概」，同 probably。在句子中常和其他如 most 或 very 等副词搭配使用，即 most/very likely（非常有可能地）。
I’ll likely need a coffee later.
我待会大概需要来一杯咖啡。
He’s most/very likely late again.
他很可能又迟到了。
2. likely (adj.) 可能的
Likely 作为形容词有下列几种用法：
(a) be likely to + V可能……
It’s likely to rain tomorrow.
明天可能会下雨。
The game is likely to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
比赛有可能因疫情取消。
You’re very likely to get better grades as long as you keep working hard.
只要继续努力，你很可能得到更好的成绩。
Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret. I’m very likely to forget it anyway!
别担心，我会保守你的秘密。反正我很可能会忘记！
(b) be likely that + 子句可能……
It’s likely that this winter will be much colder than usual.
今年冬天可能比往常寒冷。
The baby is growing too fast! It’s quite likely that we’ll have to buy her some new clothes next month.
宝宝长太快了！下个月我们非常可能又要帮她买新衣了。
(c) seem likely that + 子句看来可能……；看似可能……
It seems likely that the epidemic in the UK would only get worse.
英国的疫情可能只会越来越严重。
补充：That’s a likely story.
Likely 作为形容词「可能的」加上 story. 直翻为「有可能性的故事」，亦即表示某件事「听起来像真的一样」，也就是说某人「会编故事」，可用来表达不相信某人的话或是某件事。
Student: I’m sorry… My homework was eaten by my hamster.
Teacher: That’s a likely story!/ Likely story!
学生：对不起……我的作业被我的仓鼠吃掉了。
老师：你还真会编故事呀！
