possible

[ pos-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc.:

   a disease with no possible cure.

2. that may be true or may be the case, as something concerning which one has no knowledge to the contrary:

   It is possible that he has already gone.

possible

/ ˈpɒsɪbəl /

adjective

1. capable of existing, taking place, or proving true without contravention of any natural law
2. capable of being achieved

   it is not possible to finish in three weeks

3. having potential or capabilities for favourable use or development

   the idea is a possible money-spinner

4. that may or may not happen or have happened; feasible but less than probable

   it is possible that man will live on Mars

5. logic (of a statement, formula, etc) capable of being true under some interpretation, or in some circumstances. Usual symbol: Mp or ◇ p , where p is the given expression

noun

1. another word for possibility

Usage

Although it is very common to talk about something being very possible or more possible, these uses are generally thought to be incorrect, since possible describes an absolute state, and therefore something can only be possible or not possible: it is very likely (not very possible ) that he will resign; it has now become easier (not more possible ) to obtain an entry visa

Other Words From

• non·possi·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of possible¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin possibilis “that may be done,” equivalent to poss(e) “to be able” ( posse ) + -ibilis -ible

Word History and Origins

Origin of possible¹

C14: from Latin possibilis that may be, from posse to be able, have power

Idioms and Phrases

see as far as possible ; as soon as possible .

Synonym Study

Possible, feasible, practicable refer to that which may come about or take place without prevention by serious obstacles. That which is possible is naturally able or even likely to happen, other circumstances being equal: Discovery of a new source of plutonium may be possible. Feasible refers to the ease with which something can be done and implies a high degree of desirability for doing it: This plan is the most feasible. Practicable applies to that which can be done with the means that are at hand and with conditions as they are: We ascended the slope as far as was practicable.

Example Sentences

We stuffed as many movies into our Cannes schedules as possible during the last two weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

The football team has qualified for bowl games in three consecutive seasons and is surging toward a possible fourth consecutive berth under new coach DeShaun Foster, the biggest hire of Jarmond’s four and a half years on the job.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Jones said the post had been advertised three times but so far it had "not been possible to make a permanent appointment" and arrangements to appoint a head teacher on a temporary basis were under way.

From BBC

I’m sure future projects will be able to make that possible.

From Los Angeles Times

It is possible that the Republican-led Senate holds confirmation hearings and decides, at the end, to defy their president and reject his pick to take on the “Deep State” and his many “enemies from within.”

From Salon

Related Words

• achievable
• available
• conceivable
• desirable
• feasible
• imaginable
• potential
• probable
• viable