DictionaryAI

possible

PAH-suh-buhl/ˈpɑ.sə.bl̩/UKPOS-i-buhl/ˈpɒs.ɪ.bl̩/

7 meanings of possible

Practice

  1. 1
    doableadjective
    Able to be done, achieved, or accomplished; feasible.

    Engineers confirmed that a tunnel straight through the mountain was possible.

    With enough funding, the rescue mission became possible within a few weeks.

    UsageUsually it is possible to do something, or it is possible for someone to do it (not incorrect: I am possible to come).

    Similarachievable, doable, viable

    Oppositeimpossible

  2. 2
    could happenadjective
    Able to happen, exist, or be true, though not certain.

    A late frost is still possible this far north in April.

    The doctors said a full recovery was possible but far from guaranteed.

    UsageOften it is possible that + a clause; to qualify a verb, use possibly: she possibly missed the train.

  3. 3
    utmostadjective
    Placed after a superlative, after every or all, or at the close of an as ... as comparison, to stress the greatest degree attainable.

    Rescue teams made every possible effort to reach the trapped miners.

    The storm hit at the worst possible time, just as the boats were leaving the harbor.

    UsageIt can come before or after the noun: the best possible start, the best start possible. Set phrase: as soon as possible.

    Similarconceivable, imaginable

  4. 4
    might be chosenadjective
    Under consideration for a role, position, or selection.

    Analysts named her a possible successor to the retiring chairman.

    Three players are possible starters for Sunday's match.

    UsageUsually before the noun: a possible successor to the chairman, a possible pick for the team.

    Similarpotential, prospective

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    nounrarecountable
    An event that may happen; a particular potential occurrence.

    Similareventuality, contingency, possibility

  2. 6
    nouncolloquialcountable
    A choice under consideration, especially a person being weighed for a position.

    The selectors drew up a short list of possibles for the touring team.

    She's regarded as a strong possible for the ambassadorship.

    Similarcandidate

  3. 7
    nounrare
    The full extent of what a person is able to do; one's utmost.

Practice

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Origin

This word came through Middle English and Old French from Latin possibilis ("possible"), which comes from posse or possum ("to be able"), related to the idea of power. It replaced the older Middle English word acumendlic.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

  • Possible came through Middle English and Old French from Latin possibilis, meaning “possible.” en.wiktionary.org
  • Latin possibilis derives from the verb cited as posse or possum, meaning “to be able.” en.wiktionary.org
  • The Latin verb is related to the idea of power. en.wiktionary.org
  • Possible displaced Middle English acumendlic. en.wiktionary.org