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. See possibility
   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

The plan is to stretch it out as long as possible, then probably forget about it, and then suddenly remember it.

From The Daily Beast

Therefore, it is not possible for any F-35 schedule to include a video data link  or infrared pointer at this point.

From The Daily Beast

When you see somebody who looks like you doing something you never thought you could do, then that thing becomes possible.

From The Daily Beast

Few reports of his mental illness discuss lead poisoning as a possible reason for his mental deterioration.

From The Daily Beast

And now to this list of New York pols who refuse to go away, it may be possible to add another name: Vito Fossella.

From The Daily Beast

This is a feature by means of which it is always possible to distinguish the Great Horsetail from any other species.

From Project Gutenberg

In Spain he was regarded as the right arm of the ultra-clericals and a possible supporter of Carlism.

From Project Gutenberg

As Perker said this, he looked towards the door, with an evident desire to render the leave-taking as brief as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

And our views of poverty and social betterment, or what is possible and what is not, are still largely conditioned by it.

From Project Gutenberg

It seems to be a true instinct which comes before education and makes education possible.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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