# possibly

/ˈpɑsəbɫi/ (US) · /pˈɒsəbli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/possibly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. perhaps

adverb · CEFR A2

used to say that something might be true or might happen.

For teachers: indicates that a proposition is potentially true or that an event is likely to occur, though certainty is absent.

- It will possibly rain this afternoon, so you should take an umbrella.
- The archaeological team suggested that the ruins could possibly date back to the Bronze Age, though carbon dating is required for confirmation.

### 2. ability or feasibility

adverb · CEFR B1

used with 'can' or 'could' to emphasize if something is able to be done.

For teachers: used to indicate the limits of ability or feasibility, often appearing in negative constructions or questions to emphasize difficulty.

- I cannot possibly finish all this work before the weekend.
- The director wondered how the crew could possibly manage such a complex set change in under three minutes without compromising safety.

Usage: Often follows 'can', 'could', or 'cannot' for emphasis.

## Examples

- I will possibly go to the party tonight.
- The flight is delayed, so we will possibly arrive after the hotel check-in closes.
- While the initial results are promising, the team will possibly need to conduct further trials to confirm the long-term safety of the new treatment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.