possible
Americanadjective
-
that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc..
a disease with no possible cure.
-
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.
adjective
-
capable of existing, taking place, or proving true without contravention of any natural law
-
capable of being achieved
it is not possible to finish in three weeks
-
having potential or capabilities for favourable use or development
the idea is a possible money-spinner
-
that may or may not happen or have happened; feasible but less than probable
it is possible that man will live on Mars
-
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
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
Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
- nonpossible adjective
Etymology
Origin of possible
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin possibilis “that may be done,” equivalent to poss(e) “to be able” ( posse ) + -ibilis -ible
Compare meaning
How does possible compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reposted the news on X and wrote, “Insane… don’t even understand how this could be possible.”
From Los Angeles Times
It isn't always possible to do that at the same time.
From BBC
"As long as there is any ability to transmit even a single bit of data, it is possible to find ways to use VPNs," Rashidi said.
From BBC
A government source said they wanted it to return to Parliament as quickly as possible, but said it wasn't yet known when that would be.
From BBC
Authorities have been eager to ensure that funerals -- which under Islam should take place as soon as possible -- do not themselves turn into protests.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
