DictionaryAI

possibly

adverb
PAH-suh-blee/ˈpɑsəbli/UKPO-si-blee/ˈpɒsɪbli/

3 meanings of possibly

Practice

  1. 1
    perhapsadverb
    Used to say that something might be true, though you are not sure.

    Like saying 'maybe' when you are not sure about something yet.

    She's possibly the best player on the entire team.

    The package should come tomorrow, or possibly on Friday if the roads are bad.

    UsageOften before the best or the most: possibly the best player.

    Similarpotentially, conceivably

    Oppositecertainly, undoubtedly, inevitably

    Note
  2. 2
    can be doneadverb
    Used with 'can' or 'could' to say whether something is able to be done at all.

    Like asking if there is any way at all to do something.

    I can't possibly finish all this paperwork before Friday.

    How could anyone possibly carry all those boxes at once?

    UsageMostly in can't possibly or couldn't possibly: I can't possibly go.

    Note
  3. 3
    polite requestadverb
    Added to a question, often after could or can, to make asking for something or offering something sound more polite.

    Could you possibly open the window for me?

    Can I possibly borrow your phone for a minute?

    UsageMakes a question politer: Could you possibly help me?

    Similarperhaps

Practice

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Origin

From the word "possible" plus the ending "-ly."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact