likely meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely meaning" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing interpretations or implications of a word, phrase, or situation. For example, "The likely meaning of her words was that she wanted to leave." Alternative expressions include "probable interpretation" and "expected meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The cost of being Robeson, Belafonte or Simone is well documented; surveillance, censorship, erasure, and violence are not only possible but likely, meaning that artists like them are few and far between.

Huffington Post

But Mr Lyall concedes that more cuts are likely, meaning reductions for genuine claimants.

The Economist

But that doesn't appear to have succeeded, likely meaning that the Philae lander — sent to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko — will never be able to speak to us again.

Independent

Sinjin's idea has made the next Sinjin less likely — meaning a great ball-control player who's only 6-2 or 6-3 that can be part of a dominant team in beach volleyball".

The New York Times - Sports

Forstmann, led by Ted Forstmann, said late yesterday that it did not intend to raise its $800 million offer for XO, most likely meaning that Icahn-led bondholders will win control of the company.

The New York Times

The IPCC, which reviews all the evidence on climate change for governments, say that climate change is "very likely" (meaning a greater than 90% chance) to be caused by human activity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The early contexts of display in the His home and art exhibitions suggest interpretive resources for viewers and hence likely meanings.

History Workshop Journal

In the near absence of recorded responses, I shall approach likely meanings by reconstructing settings in order to suggest resources on which spectators may have drawn.

History Workshop Journal

I then turn to viewing, exploring sites of display to suggest resources for spectators and hence likely meanings, in the family portrait gallery and major art exhibitions around 1900 and among medical scientists since then.

History Workshop Journal

Unions said they believed some board members knew of the likely delay, meaning the board's approval – by 10 votes to seven – should be overturned.

The Guardian

Mr. Elmendorf has stressed that the budget office used the "middle distribution of likely outcomes," meaning that the health care law is just as likely to save the government more money as it is to cost more.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely meaning", ensure that the context clearly supports the interpretation you are suggesting. Avoid using it when the meaning is speculative or unsupported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "likely meaning" when a range of interpretations is equally possible. Instead, acknowledge the ambiguity or present multiple possible meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely meaning" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "likely" modifies the noun "meaning". It serves to specify a particular interpretation or significance that is considered the most probable or expected. As per Ludwig, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely meaning" functions as a noun phrase indicating the most probable interpretation of something. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across different contexts such as News & Media and Science. While the phrase exhibits a neutral register, its usage helps to guide the recipient of communication towards a particular, most probable, interpretation. When using this phrase, ensure the context strongly supports your interpretation and avoid overstating certainty when multiple meanings are possible. As per Ludwig, related phrases include "probable interpretation" and "expected significance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable interpretation

Replaces "likely" with "probable", indicating a high degree of certainty in the interpretation.

expected significance

Substitutes "meaning" with "significance", focusing on the importance or consequence rather than just the definition.

plausible implication

Replaces "likely" with "plausible", suggesting the meaning is believable or reasonable.

potential connotation

Focuses on the implied or suggested meaning, rather than the direct definition.

presumed denotation

Highlights the literal or dictionary definition that is being assumed.

inferred sense

Emphasizes that the meaning is derived through reasoning or deduction.

suggested reading

Shifts the focus to how something should be understood or interpreted.

logical understanding

Indicates that the meaning is based on reason and sound judgment.

reasonable explanation

Highlights that the meaning serves as a sensible account or clarification.

apparent import

Focuses on the importance or significance that is readily visible or obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "likely meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "likely meaning" to discuss interpretations or implications of a word, phrase, or situation. For example, "The "likely meaning" of her words was that she wanted to leave."

What can I say instead of "likely meaning"?

You can use alternatives like "probable interpretation", "expected significance", or "plausible implication" depending on the context.

Is "likely meaning" formal or informal?

The phrase ""likely meaning"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in neutral or informational settings.

What is the difference between "likely meaning" and "possible meaning"?

"Likely meaning" suggests a higher probability or stronger basis for the interpretation, while "possible meaning" simply indicates that the interpretation is conceivable.