possibility
- 01 A2 Elementary
a chance that something might happen or exist.
the state or fact of being possible; a potential occurrence that is not certain but could happen.
Simple“There is a strong possibility of rain later this afternoon.”
In context“Scientists are currently investigating the possibility of liquid water existing beneath the icy surface of the distant moon.”
PitfallThere is a possibility for rain today. There is a possibility of rain today.Use the preposition 'of' after possibility when followed by a noun or a gerund.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
one of several different things you could choose to do.
a viable option or alternative course of action available for consideration.
Simple“We are looking at every possibility before we decide which house to buy.”
In context“The board of directors spent the morning session exploring every possibility for expansion into the European market before committing to a final strategy.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the chance that someone or something will improve or become great in the future.
the inherent capacity for future growth, improvement, or success; often used in the plural.
Simple“This old house is a mess, but it has great possibilities.”
In context“The young pianist's debut performance was technically flawed, yet the critics agreed that her playing showed immense possibilities for a professional career.”
UsageOften used in the plural form 'possibilities' to describe general potential.
Usage possibility of using · possibility of other alleged · address possibility
From Middle English possibilite, from Middle French possibilité (from Old French possibilite) and directly from Late Latin possibilitās (“possibility”), from Latin possibilis (“possible”); see possible. By surface analysis, possible + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.