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Osee Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Being likely vs be a possibility

I heard this line from the drama 7th Heaven:

Yes, it may not be likely, but it's a possibility.

This makes me wonder what is the difference between being likely and being a possibility. Can anyone explain this to me? Thanks a lot.
  

Top answer

Hi A possibility = there is a chance that something can happen. Likely = it will probably happen.

— Optilang

  • Hi A possibility = there is a chance that something can happen.
  • Likely = it will probably happen.
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7 Answers
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Hi

A possibility = there is a chance that something can happen.

Likely = it will probably happen.
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Sorry, optilang, I still do not see the difference.
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Hi,

I buy a ticket in a lottery. Ten million other people also buy tickets.

There is a possibility that I may win $20 million.

But it is not likely.

Best wishes, Clive
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Great, but how about probably? Can I say likely = probably?
CliveHi,

I buy a ticket in a lottery. Ten million other people also buy tickets.

There is a possibility that I may win $20 million.

But it is not likely.

Best wishes, Clive


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OseeGreat, but how about probably? Can I say likely = probably?

Probably is an adverb whereas likely is an adjective and as far as I know "likely" is used more often than "probable".
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Thank you, HolyBrat. Welcome to these forums. BTW, I guess probable is more often used in written English.
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Hi,

I would say that 'probably' is probably the more common term, both in writing and in speech.

Clive
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