Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
Related Searches
on Ask.com
Synonyms
Nearby Entries
Definition of possible - 5 dictionary results

pos⋅si⋅ble

  [pos-uh-buhl]
Use possible in a Sentence
–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.
Origin:
1300–50; ME < L possibilis that may be done, equiv. to poss(e) to be able (see posse ) + -ibilis -ible

Synonyms:
1. 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To possible
pos·si·ble   (pŏs'ə-bəl)   
adj.  
  1. Capable of happening, existing, or being true without contradicting proven facts, laws, or circumstances.
  2. Capable of occurring or being done without offense to character, nature, or custom.
  3. Capable of favorable development; potential: a possible site for the new capital.
  4. Of uncertain likelihood.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin possibilis, from posse, to be able; see poti- in Indo-European roots.]
pos'si·bly adv.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean capable of occurring or being done. Possible indicates that something may happen, exist, be true, or be realizable: "I made out a list of questions and possible answers" (Mary Roberts Rinehart).
Workable is used of something that can be put into effective operation: If the scheme is workable, how will you implement it?
Something that is practicable is capable of being effected, done, or put into practice: "As soon as it was practicable, he would conclude his business" (George Eliot).
Feasible refers to what can be accomplished, brought about, or carried out: Making cars by hand is possible but not economically feasible.
Viable implies having the capacity for continuing effectiveness or success: "How viable are the ancient legends as vehicles for modern literary themes?" (Richard Kain).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source

Possible

Pos"si*ble\, a. [F., fr. L. possibilis, fr. posse to be able, to have power; potis able, capable + esse to be. See Potent, Am, and cf. Host a landlord.] Capable of existing or occurring, or of being conceived or thought of; able to happen; capable of being done; not contrary to the nature of things; -- sometimes used to express extreme improbability; barely able to be, or to come to pass; as, possibly he is honest, as it is possible that Judas meant no wrong.

With God all things are possible. --Matt. xix. 26.

Syn: Practicable; likely. See Practicable.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Cite This Source
Language Translation for : possible
Spanish: posible,
German: möglich,
Japanese: あり得る
More Translations »

possible 
c.1300, from L. possibilis "that can be done," from posse "be able" (see potent).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source

possible

see as far as possible; as soon as possible.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see possible on Thesaurus | Reference