possibility Hear it!

possibility Definition

pos·sibil·ity (päs′ə bil′ə tē)

noun

  1. the quality or condition of being possible
  2. pl. -·ties something that is possible

Etymology: ME possibilite < LL possibilitas

possibility Synonyms

possibility

n.

  1. The condition of being possible

    plausibility, feasibility, potentiality, likelihood; see chance 1, probability.

  2. A possible happening

    hazard, chance, contingency, occasion, circumstance, hope, occurrence, fortuity, hap, happening, outside chance, incident, instance; see also accident 2, event 1, opportunity 1.

possibility Law Definition

n

The chance of something’s happening, regardless of whether or not it actually occurs; a contingent interest in property, whether real or personal.
possibility Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • reappointment: Appointments made at Assistant Keeper level will be for three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further two years.
  • damage: I wondered at the parents, wondered if they had any idea of the incalculable possibilities of psychological damage.
  • contamination: PhD is the safest wax system, eliminating the possibilities of cross contamination between clients.
  • extension: The appointment is for three years with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement.
  • renewal: Tenure will be for two years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for up to two further years.
  • error: Part of this section is also next to a bend in the road, which reduces visibility and increases the possibility of driver error.

Converse of object

  • explore: We are at present exploring the possibility of sending these by e-mail to the growing number of members online.
  • investigate: BK to investigate possibilities for inviting a musician to play.
  • discuss: They and many others are of a mind to discuss the possibility of a cancer plan 2 to move things forward.
  • eliminate: X-rays may also be used to eliminate the possibility of fracture.
  • exclude: But poetry has been so defined in the public mind as usually to exclude the possibility of social conflicts appearing.
  • consider: Prior to replacement I consider the possibility of changing the gear ratios: could you use a higher gear?

Adjective modifier

  • endless: With endless possibilities for fun and adventure, the hardest thing is making up your mind!
  • distinct: With the distinct possibility that I'm going to alienate everyone all at the same time here are my own views.
  • infinite: At each point of change the direction of the image is arbitrary, unplanned, evolving among the infinite possibilities generated by the process.
  • limitless: It has shown me the limitless possibilities of living.
  • exciting: Travel to Argentina offers all kinds of exciting possibilities for anyone planning a South America gap year.
  • real: War seemed a real possibility in the autumn of 1938.

Noun used with modifier

  • sightseeing: An attractive destination, and one that has all sorts of sightseeing possibilities close by, is the charming village of Broadway in Worcestershire.
  • gameplay: Delve further and come up with your own advanced strategies that promise to deliver limitless tactical gameplay possibilities.
possibility Quotes

   How great a Possibility, how small a realized Result.

—Carlyle,Thomas

All my originality consists†in giving life in human fashion to beings which are impossible according to the laws of possibility.

—Redon, Odilon

The business of the law istomake sense of the confusion of what we call human lifeöto reduce it to order but at the same time to give it possibility, scope, even dignity.

—MacLeish, Archibald

The impulse to acquisition, pursuit of gain, of money, of the greatest possible amount of money, has in itself nothing to dowith capitalism.Thisimpulse exists among waiters, physicians, coachmen, artists, prostitutes, dishonest officials, soldiers, nobles, crusaders, gamblers, and beggars.One may say that it has been common to all sorts and conditions of men at all times and in all cultures of the earth, wherever the objective possibility of it is or has been given.

—Weber, Max

Every ball isfor methe first ball, whether my score is 0 or 200, and I never visualize the possibility of anybody getting me out.

—Bradman, Sir Don(ald George)

Collage is a supersensitive and scrupulously accurate instrument, similar to a seismograph, which is able to record the exact amount of the possibility of human happiness at any period.

—Ernst, Max

   Religion issomething which stands beyond, behind, and within the passing flux of immediate things; something which is real, and yet waiting to be realized; something which is a remote possibility, and yet the greatest of present facts; something that gives meaning to all that passes, and yet eludes apprehension; something whose possession is the final good, and yet is beyond all reach; something which is the ultimate ideal, and the hopeless quest.

—Whitehead, Alfred North

If I could only live at the pitch that is near madness When everything is as it was in my childhood Violent, vivid and of infinite possibility.

—Eberhart, Richard Ghormley