possible
Pluralpossibles
- 1Able to be done or achieved.
Like a locked door that will open if you find the right key.
It is possible to finish the whole job in one day.
We finally found a possible way to fix the broken pump.
UsageSay it's possible for me to come (not
incorrect: I am possible to come).Similarachievable, doable, viable
Oppositeimpossible
- 2Might happen, exist, or be true, but is not certain.
Like a coin in the air: it could land either way.
Rain is possible later this afternoon, so bring a jacket.
It is possible that she missed the early train.
UsageSay it's possible that she left, or she possibly left.
- 3Used after words like best, every or all to mean the most that can be done or had.
Please call me back as soon as possible.
We want to give our kids the best possible start in life.
UsageA set phrase: as soon as possible. Also the best possible start.
Similarconceivable, imaginable
- 4Being thought about as a choice, such as for a job or team.
She is a possible captain for next season's team.
He's a possible pick for the new manager role.
UsageUsually before the noun: a possible captain for the team.
Similarpotential, prospective
Less common meanings
- 5A thing that could happen but is not certain.
Similareventuality, contingency, possibility
- 6A person or thing being thought about as a choice.
The coach listed her as a possible for the final squad.
Among the possibles for the job, two names stood out.
Similarcandidate
- 7The most that a person is able to do.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of possible apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
It comes from Latin possibilis, meaning "possible," from posse, "to be able." It reached English through Old French.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Possible derives from Latin possibilis, meaning “possible.” en.wiktionary.org
- The Latin source verb posse means “to be able.” en.wiktionary.org
- Possible reached English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org