Word
conceivable
Phoneticscon·ceiv·able
US/kənˈsivəbəɫ/
UK/kənsˈiːvəbəl/
Definition
adj. possible to imagine or believe. You use this to describe something that could happen, even if it is unlikely.
adj. capable of being imagined or grasped mentally. Often used to emphasize the range of possibilities, frequently following 'every' or 'any'.
Examples
“It is conceivable that we will finish the project early.”
“The team explored every conceivable solution to the technical problem before deciding to start over.”
“While a peaceful resolution remains conceivable, the escalating rhetoric from both sides suggests that a diplomatic breakthrough is increasingly improbable in the current political climate.”
Examples
simple
“It is conceivable that we will finish the project early.”
contextual
“The team explored every conceivable solution to the technical problem before deciding to start over.”
complex
“While a peaceful resolution remains conceivable, the escalating rhetoric from both sides suggests that a diplomatic breakthrough is increasingly improbable in the current political climate.”
Usage
Often used in the superlative sense with 'every' ('every conceivable way') or following 'it is' as a modal hedge.
Etymology
From conceive + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/conceivable