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possible Definition

pos·sible (päs′ə bəl)

adjective

  1. that can be; capable of existing
  2. that can be in the future; that may or may not happen
    1. that can be done, known, acquired, selected, used, etc., depending on circumstances a possible candidate
    2. that can happen or be; potential
  4. that may be done; permissible
  5. that may be a fact or the truth
  6. Informal that can be put up with; tolerable

Etymology: OFr < L possibilis < posse, to be able: see potent

possible Synonyms

possible

modif.

  1. Within the realm of possibility

    conceivable, imaginable, thinkable, plausible, reasonable, probable, likely; see also likely 1.

  2. That may happen or be done

    feasible, practicable, workable, viable, attainable, achievable, permissible, potential, within reach; see also likely 1.

  3. *Acceptable

    tolerable, expedient, desirable, welcome; see pleasant 2.

possible is used of anything that may exist, occur, be done, etc., depending on circumstances a possible solution to a problem; practicable applies to that which can readily be effected under the prevailing conditions or by the means available a practicable plan; feasible is used of that which is likely to be carried through to a successful conclusion and, hence, connotes the desirability of doing so a method that is not economically feasible

possible Usage Examples

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • make: Many technologies are combining to make DAVIC concepts possible.
  • do: I do everything possible to help my child and look what they do to me!

Infinitive complement

  • obtain: It will be possible to obtain accreditation for individual modules or to complete all mandatory modules in order to obtain the full qualification.
  • identify: The call for papers It may be possible to identify nurses who could present a research based paper through personal contacts.
  • determine: It should then be possible to determine which parts go together for painting purposes.
  • predict: By means of the analysis of the seismic activity evolution it was possible to predict the explosive event occurred on october 29th, 2000.
  • avoid: Please note that a limited number of tickets have been purchased, so do get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
  • distinguish: State that it is possible to distinguish starch from other carbohydrates using iodine solution.

Modifies a noun

  • solution: Figure 1 shows some possible solutions to this problem.
  • explanation: There are a variety of possible explanations for this feature.
  • exception: With the possible exception of an unusual act of gross misconduct, employees should normally not be surprised by formal discipline.
  • outcome: The level of support won by Respect was the worst possible outcome.
  • consequence: The Pentagon has been sniffing at the question of global warning, and has been growling about nuclear war as a possible consequence.
  • effect: In any event the possible adverse effect on humans from eating such chickens seems somewhat remote.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: Maybe the present exhibition will change this, although it seems quite possible to me that it will not.
  • make: The latter occasion was made possible by the President who is also Chairman of the British Library.
  • become: With the disk drive, loading speed was substantially increased and it became possible to use program overlays.
  • think: You will learn how to help reduce or eliminate back pain and get faster and better results than you have ever thought possible.
  • remain: It therefore remains possible that the reports and web files contain inaccuracies.

Preposition: in

order: Members are urged to pay as soon as possible in order to avoid the cost of chasing you up!