pos·si·ble
(pŏs′ə-bəl)adj.1. Capable of happening, existing, or being true without contradicting proven facts, laws, or circumstances: Is it possible to move faster than the speed of light?
2. Capable of becoming or of being made to be so; potential: possible suspects in the case; a possible site for the new capital.
3. Capable of occurring or being done in accordance with something specified. Used with the superlative: You'll get the best possible care at this hospital.
4. Capable of happening but of uncertain likelihood: It is possible that you might feel some discomfort after the procedure.
5. Permissible: Is it possible to enter the gallery at this hour?
Synonyms: possible, workable, practicable, feasible, viable
These adjectives mean capable of occurring or being done. Possible indicates that something may happen, exist, be true, or be realizable: "I made out a list of questions and possible answers" (Mary Roberts Rinehart).
Workable is used of something that can be put into effective operation: If the scheme is workable, how will you implement it? Something that is practicable is capable of being effected, done, or put into practice: "As soon as it was practicable, he would wind up his business" (George Eliot).
Feasible refers to what can be accomplished, brought about, or carried out: Making cars by hand is possible but not economically feasible. Viable implies having the capacity for continuing effectiveness or success: "How viable are the ancient legends as vehicles for modern literary themes?" (Richard Kain).
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
possible
(ˈpɒsɪbəl) adj1. capable of existing, taking place, or proving true without contravention of any natural law
2. capable of being achieved: it is not possible to finish in three weeks.
3. having potential or capabilities for favourable use or development: the idea is a possible money-spinner.
4. that may or may not happen or have happened; feasible but less than probable: it is possible that man will live on Mars.
5. (Logic) logic (of a statement, formula, etc) capable of being true under some interpretation, or in some circumstances. Usual symbol: Mp or ◇p, where p is the given expression
[C14: from Latin possibilis that may be, from posse to be able, have power]
Usage: Although it is very common to talk about something being very possible or more possible, these uses are generally thought to be incorrect, since possible describes an absolute state, and therefore something can only be possible or not possible: it is very likely (not very possible) that he will resign; it has now become easier (not more possible) to obtain an entry visa
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
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.
[1300–50; < Latin
possibilis that may be done =
poss(e) to be able (see
posse) +
-ibilis -ible]
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. Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
possible
possibly1. 'possible'Possible is an adjective. If something is possible, it can be done or achieved.
It is possible for us to measure the amount of rain.
Some improvement may be possible.
Possible is often used in expressions such as as soon as possible and as much as possible. If you do something as soon as possible, you do it as soon as you can.
I like to know as much as possible about my patients.
He sat as far away from me as possible.
Be Careful!
Don't say 'as soon as possibly'.
You also use possible to say that something may be true or correct.
It is possible that he made a mistake.
That's one possible answer.
2. 'possibly'Possibly is an adverb. You use possibly to show that you are not sure about something.
Television is possibly to blame for this.
She is always cheerful, which is possibly why people like her.
You also use possibly when you are asking someone to do something in a very polite way. For example, you say 'Could you possibly carry this for me?'
Could you possibly meet me there tomorrow at ten?
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012