likelyreason
nounUK /ˈlaɪkli ˈriːzən/
US /ˈlaɪkli ˈriːzən/
A likely reason is a reason that is probably true.
The likely reason she was late is that the bus broke down.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A reason that seems believable even if it is not proven.
The likely reason for the noise was a cat in the attic.
3. The most obvious explanation for something that happened.
The likely reason the plant died was too little water.
4. A guess about why someone did something, based on clues.
The likely reason he smiled was that he won the game.