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in all likelihood — very probably; almost certainly

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: very probably; almost certainly

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪn ɔːl ˈlaɪklihʊd/

Example Sentences

  • In all likelihood, my cat will ignore the expensive toy and play with the cardboard box instead.
  • In all likelihood, the meeting will be postponed due to the sudden snowstorm.
  • In all likelihood, he forgot his homework again and will blame it on his dog eating it.

in all likelihood

ADVERB

[/ɪn ɔːl ˈlaɪklihʊd/]

very probably; almost certainly

very probably; almost certainly
💡 Concept

very probably; almost certainly

Walking through the neighborhood, recalling childhood memories will in all likelihood resurface!
🎵 Rhyme

Walking through the neighborhood, recalling childhood memories will in all likelihood resurface!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪn ɔːl ˈlaɪklihʊd/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪn ɔːl ˈlaɪklihʊd/

🌳Etymology

Rootlikely
Suffix--hood

Origin

The phrase 'in all likelihood' emerged in English during the 16th century, combining the preposition 'in' with the noun 'likelihood', which derives from the Middle English 'likely' (meaning 'probable' or 'appearing suitable'). The expression evolved from a literal meaning of 'considering all possibilities' to convey the sense of 'almost certainly' or 'very probably'.

Breakdown

in (preposition: within) + all (determiner: every; complete) + likely (adjective: probable, from Middle English 'liken' meaning to seem fitting) + -hood (suffix: state or condition). Together, the noun 'likelihood' combines 'like' (resemblance) + -hood (state), literally 'the state of being similar or probable'.

🎵Rhyme

childhood
neighborhood
brotherhood

🔗Collocations

in all likelihood + will
in all likelihood be
in all likelihood continue
in all likelihood result in
in all likelihood face

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“In all likelihood, my cat will ignore the expensive toy and play with the cardboard box instead.”

“In all likelihood, the meeting will be postponed due to the sudden snowstorm.”

😄 Fun example

“In all likelihood, he forgot his homework again and will blame it on his dog eating it.”

“In all likelihood, the new policy will improve workplace efficiency significantly.”

📚Related Words

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