possible
Use Possible in a sentence
ə 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; Middle English < Latin possibilis that may be done, equivalent to poss(e) to be able (see posse) + -ibilis -ible
1300–50; Middle English < Latin possibilis that may be done, equivalent to poss(e) to be able (see posse) + -ibilis -ible
Related forms
non·pos·si·ble, adjective
Can be confused: possible, practicable, practical (see synonym study at the current entry)(see synonym study at practical).
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.
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. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To possible
00:10
Possible
is always a great word to know.
So is doohickey. Does it mean:
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
| a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
possible (ˈpɒsɪbəl) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| 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 |
| —n | |
| 6. | another word for possibility |
| 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 | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
possible
c.1300, from L. possibilis "that can be done," from posse "be able" (see potent).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Example sentences
One possible explanation for dark matter is a group of subatomic particles called neutrinos.
As a result, there are more destinations where it's possible to charter.
But if two-state diplomacy would be theoretically possible, it would not be likely.
So to have three articles published, you need to start as soon as possible.
Idioms & Phrases
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