possible

American  

[pos-uh-buhl] / ˈpɒs ə bəl /

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.

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possible British  

/ 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

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noun

1. another word for possibility

possible Idioms  

1. see as far as possible; as soon as possible.

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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

Synonym Usage

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

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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” ( see posse) + -ibilis -ible

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Compare meaning

How does possible compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• plausible vs. possible
• probable vs. possible

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Explanation

Something that’s possible is something that can happen, something that can be done, or something capable of existing. You can use possible to talk about anything that might happen. If you work really hard for a test, and you show you know the material, it’s possible that you’ll get an A. For a really hard problem like inventing a car that doesn’t use gas, you’ll need to pursue many possible solutions. If you write science fiction, you like to imagine possible worlds. Anything is possible, if you just put your mind to it!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

possible

The much talked about "Be Prepared" campaign is designed to help ready us for all sorts of possible crises, but the government says there is no specific threat to the grid.

From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2026

Then early in the second half came a possible penalty as Mykolenko clipped Awoniyi.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

For encryption to continue to work, our assumptions about the algorithms that make it possible must remain true.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

Wherever possible, materials were sent by sea during the annual short thaw to avoid expensive airfreight.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026

She told us that Marlene needed her to be there with her as much as possible, that she had been off her food and depressed ever since her mother had died.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

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Related Words

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

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