English pronunciation · Words Starting with L
Likely Pronunciation
Likely is pronounced LY-klee, IPA /ˈlaɪkli/.
LY-klee
US /ˈlaɪkli/ · UK /ˈlaɪkli/
Syllables: LY · klee (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
adjective and adverb: Probable, or probably going to happen.
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Likely in a Sentence
- Rain is likely by the afternoon.
- The most likely explanation is the simplest one.
- She will likely call before six.
Common Mispronunciations of Likely
Not LI-klee
Keep the long i of like. Shortening it gives something near to lickly, which is not a word.
Not ly-KLEE
Keep the punch off the -ly ending, which never carries a beat.
Tip: It is simply like plus lee, with the k shared between the two halves.
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