First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
possible
adjective pos·si·ble \ˈpä-sə-bəl\
: able to be done
: able to happen or exist
: able or suited to be or to become something specified
Full Definition of POSSIBLE
1
a : being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization <a possible but difficult task> b : being what may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners <the best possible care> <the worst possible circumstance>
2
a : being something that may or may not occur <a possible surprise visit> b : being something that may or may not be true or actual <possible explanation>
3
: having an indicated potential <a possible housing site>
See possible defined for English-language learners
See possible defined for kids
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Origin of POSSIBLE
Related to POSSIBLE
- Synonyms
- achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable
- Antonyms
- hopeless, impossible, impracticable, infeasible, nonviable, unattainable, undoable, unfeasible, unrealizable, unviable, unworkable
Synonym Discussion of POSSIBLE
possible, practicable, feasible mean capable of being realized. possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions <a possible route up the west face of the mountain>. practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions <a solution that is not practicable in the time available>. feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired <commercially feasible for mass production>.
POSSIBLE Defined for Kids
possible
adjective pos·si·ble \ˈpä-sə-bəl\
Definition of POSSIBLE for Kids
1
: able to be done <Call whenever possible.>
2
: able to happen or exist <A storm is possible.>
3
: able or suited to be or to become <I have a possible solution.>
Synonym Discussion of POSSIBLE
possible and likely mean capable of becoming true or of actually happening. possible is used when something may happen or exist under the proper conditions. <It is possible that you may get rich.> likely is used when chances are good that something will actually happen but there is no proof it will. <It is likely that the storm will cause damage.>
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