possible
noun
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L325752 on Wikidata ↗adjective
- likely or able to be/occur
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈpɒs.ə.bəl/ / [ˈpɒs.ə.bɫ̩] / /ˈpɒs.ɪ.bl̩/
adj
Etymology: From Middle English possible, from Old French possible, from Latin possibilis (“possible”), from posse, possum (“to be able”); see power. Displaced Middle English acumendlic (“possible”), from Old English ācumendlīċ (“possible”). Compare also Old English mihtelīċ (“strong, capable, powerful, possible”), which was cognate with Old High German mahtlīh (“possible”) and Old Norse máttulígr (“mighty, possible”). Compare also Dutch mogelijk (“possible”) and German möglich (“possible”).
- Able but not certain to happen; neither inevitable nor impossible.
“Rain tomorrow is possible, but I wouldn't bet on it.”
“It's not just possible, it's probable that there will be rain tomorrow.”
- Capable of being done or achieved; feasible.
“It's possible for anyone to learn to play the bagpipes.”
“And success in minor degree, in the sense in which he uses the term "success," is only somewhat more possible than success in winning the White House chair.”
- Being considered, e.g. for a position.
“Jones and Smith are both possible for the opening in sales.”
- Apparently valid, likely, plausible.
noun
Etymology: From Middle English possible, from Old French possible, from Latin possibilis (“possible”), from posse, possum (“to be able”); see power. Displaced Middle English acumendlic (“possible”), from Old English ācumendlīċ (“possible”). Compare also Old English mihtelīċ (“strong, capable, powerful, possible”), which was cognate with Old High German mahtlīh (“possible”) and Old Norse máttulígr (“mighty, possible”). Compare also Dutch mogelijk (“possible”) and German möglich (“possible”).
- A possible choice, notably someone being considered for a position.
“Jones is a possible for the new opening in sales.”
- That which is possible for somebody.
“[…] “don’t you be in any great hurry after that treasure.” “Why, sir, I do my possible, which that ain’t,” said Silver. “I can only, asking your pardon, save my life and the boy’s by seeking for that treasure; and you may lay to that.””
- A particular event that may happen.