possible
Americanadjective
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that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc..
a disease with no possible cure.
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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
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capable of existing, taking place, or proving true without contravention of any natural law
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capable of being achieved
it is not possible to finish in three weeks
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having potential or capabilities for favourable use or development
the idea is a possible money-spinner
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that may or may not happen or have happened; feasible but less than probable
it is possible that man will live on Mars
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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.
Early animal studies suggest possible roles in wound healing and gut protection.
From BBC
The New York Times reported that he had chosen "three senior clerics" as possible replacements if he were to be assassinated.
From BBC
"But also, we help the mid-size to small companies and entrepreneurs that now can buy, whether it's one piece of machinery or a large order, and make possible the Venezuelan dream."
From Barron's
Meanwhile, in anticipation of strikes, Iran and other producers have rushed to ship as much oil as possible, with refiners in Asia front-loading purchases.
Nix points to two possible reasons why office relationships can be both beneficial and so costly.
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.
