POSSIBLE Definition & Meaning

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possible

[ pos-uh-buhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

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.

possible

/ ˈ��ɒ��ɪ��ə�� /

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

another word for possibility

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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

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

�Դǲ�·��ǲ�s��·�� adjective

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51�Թ� 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

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of possible¹

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

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Idioms and Phrases

see as far as possible ; as soon as possible .

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Compare Meanings

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

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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.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It’s also possible these tariffs will not remain.

From

It’s part of a plan that aims to get students back to their campuses “as soon as possible” — but “no sooner than the community wishes for it to happen,” he said.

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Exactly how much poodle-dog emerges in the wake of recent fires remains to be seen, but the general consensus is to stay as far away from it as possible.

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Its only use was to fulfill the "Final Solution" as far as possible — that being the extermination of Europe's Jewish population — as well as to murder millions of other camp inmates.

From

While Fretwell cautioned he is not an expert in lacustrine habitats, meaning large bodies of water where life may be possible, he said Bedmap3 will help inform new studies of subglacial lakes.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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