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 Word Forms

• nonpossible 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

Being able to name this as a possible cause and immediately offer support transformed the consultation.

Read more on BBC

Hamas wants the cease-fire to last as long as possible, so it can restore its hold on the Gaza Strip, said Guy Aviad, an Israeli military historian who studies the militant group.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Indian state refiners mostly buy Russian oil from middlemen instead of directly from Rosneft and Lukoil, providing a possible workaround to U.S. sanctions, according to analysts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The goal is to win as many as possible while this group is together,” Treinen said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Since we're operating farther away, it's not always possible to return quickly when there's a storm warning," he said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• achievable www.thesaurus.com
• available 
• conceivable 
• desirable 
• feasible 
• imaginable 
• potential 
• probable 
• viable