Definitions for possibleˈpɒs ə bəl

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word possible

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

pos•si•ble*ˈpɒs ə bəl(adj.)

  1. that may or can exist, happen, be done, be used, etc.:

    a possible cure.

  2. that may be true or may be the case:

    It is possible that she has left.

* Syn: possible , feasible , practicable refer to that which may come about or take place without prevention by serious obstacles. That which is possible is naturally able or likely to happen, other circumstances being equal: He offered a possible compromise.feasible refers to the ease with which something can be done and implies a high degree of desirability for doing it: Which plan is the most feasible?practicable applies to that which can be done with the means at hand and with conditions as they are: We ascended the slope as far as was practicable.

Origin of possible:

1300–50; < L possibilis that may be done =poss(e) to be able (see posse ) +-ibilis -ible

Princeton's WordNet

  1. possible(noun)

    something that can be done

    "politics is the art of the possible"

  2. possible(adj)

    an applicant who might be suitable

  3. possible(adj)

    capable of happening or existing


  4. potential, possible(adj)

    existing in possibility

    "a potential problem"; "possible uses of nuclear power"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

  1. possible(adjective)ˈpɒs ə bəl

    ≠ impossible

    It's not possible for humans to fly.; Is it possible to enter the country without a passport?; Get here as soon as possible.

  2. possibleˈpɒs ə bəl

    used to politely ask if sb can do sth

    Would it be possible to turn the music down a little?

  3. possibleˈpɒs ə bəl

    likely or able to be imagined

    a possible answer to the problem; It's possible that I left it at home.


  1. possible(Noun)

    A possible one

  2. possible(Noun)

    A possible choice, notably someone being considered for a position.

    Jones is a possible for the new opening in sales.

  3. possible(Noun)

    A particular event that may happen.

  4. possible(Adjective)

    Able but not certain to happen; not impossible.

  5. possible(Adjective)

    Capable of being done or achieved; feasible.

  6. possible(Adjective)

    Being considered, e.g. for a position.

    Jones and Smith are both possible for the opening in sales.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Possible(adj)

    capable of existing or occurring, or of being conceived or thought of; able to happen; capable of being done; not contrary to the nature of things; -- sometimes used to express extreme improbability; barely able to be, or to come to pass; as, possibly he is honest, as it is possible that Judas meant no wrong

British National Corpus

  1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'possible' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #235

  2. Written Corpus Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'possible' in Written Corpus Frequency: #587

  3. Adjectives Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'possible' in Adjectives Frequency: #19

Translations for possible

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary


able to happen or be done

It's possible that the train will be delayed; We'll come as soon as possible; I'll do everything possible; She did the only possible thing in the circumstances.

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