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Definition of possible - 4 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.
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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.
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Word Origin & History

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

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.
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