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possible

adj. · n.
US //ˈpɑsəbəɫ// UK //pˈɒsəbəl// pos·si·ble
  1. 1 able to be done (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    able to be done or achieved.

    capable of being effected, accomplished, or carried out; feasible.

    Example

    It is possible to finish the project by Friday if we work hard.

    Example

    The engineering team concluded that while the design was ambitious, it was technically possible within the current budget constraints.
  2. 2 might happen (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    something that might happen but is not certain.

    able to happen or exist; neither certain nor impossible.

    Example

    Snow is possible later tonight, so please drive carefully.

    Example

    Meteorologists warned that a severe storm was possible, though the exact path of the front remained difficult to predict.
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  1. 3 plausible (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    seeming like it could be true.

    having the appearance of truth or reality; plausible.

    Example

    That is a possible explanation for why the machine stopped working.

    Example

    The detective considered every possible motive, eventually focusing on the suspect's financial history as the most likely catalyst for the crime.
  2. 4 a potential candidate (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a person or thing that is being considered for a job or position.

    a person or thing that is a potential candidate or choice for a specific role.

    Example

    We have three strong possibles for the new manager position.

    Example

    After the first round of interviews, the committee narrowed the field down to two possibles who both demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.

    Usage

    Usually refers to people in a recruitment or selection context.
Origin

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”).

Word family

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