possible

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj

Able but not certain to happen; neither inevitable nor impossible.
Capable of being done or achieved; feasible.
Being considered, e.g. for a position.
Apparently valid, likely, plausible.

noun

A possible choice, notably someone being considered for a position.
That which is possible for somebody.
A particular event that may happen.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɒs.ə.bəl/ [ˈpɒs.ə.bɫ̩] LL-Q1860 (eng)-Back ache-possible.wav /ˈpɒs.ɪ.bl̩/ [ˈpɒs.ɪ.bɫ̩] /ˈpɑ.sə.bəl/ [ˈpɑ.sə.bɫ̩] en-us-possible.ogg /ˈpɔs.ə.bəl/ [ˈpɔs.ə.bɫ̩] /ˈpɔs.ɪ.b(ɪ)l/

Word forms

possible more possible most possible possibles

Etymology

From Middle English possible, from Old French possible, from Latin possibilis (“possible”), from posse, possum (“to be able”); see power. Displaced Middle English acumendlic (“possible”), from Old English ācumendlīċ (“possible”). Compare also Old English mihtelīċ (“strong, capable, powerful, possible”), which was cognate with Old High German mahtlīh (“possible”) and Old Norse máttulígr (“mighty, possible”). Compare also Dutch mogelijk (“possible”) and German möglich (“possible”).

Synonyms

futurable possible achievable doable viable likely plausible possibility option candidate

Antonyms

impossible certain inevitable implausible no-go

Related words

contingent improbable incidental possibility potent potential probable

Derived words

anything is possible art of the possible ASAP as much as possible as quickly as possible as soon as possible compossible counterpossible humanly possible if possible nonpossible possibilist possibleness possible world possibly unpossible

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