Reading Theme:
Impossible: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：cannot be done (impossible)
impossible
/ɪmˈpɒsəbl/
adj.
Cannot be done or happen, no matter how hard you try.
cannot be done
➕
/ˈkænɒt biː dʌn/
adj.
Describes a task, event, or outcome that is absolutely beyond the realm of feasibility or achievement.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'im-' (not) + 'possibilis' (able to be done).
💡 Mnemonic
I'M POSsible? NO! 'I'm' + 'possible' = 'I'm possible'. But with 'im-' as 'not', it becomes NOT possible.
📖 Example
Finishing this huge project in one day is impossible; we need at least a week.
Completing this extensive project within a single day cannot be done; a minimum of one week is required.
🔗 Collocations
physically impossible – cannot be achieved due to the laws of nature or physical constraints
virtually impossible – so unlikely as to be effectively not possible
mission impossible – a task that appears extremely difficult or unlikely to succeed
🔄 Synonyms
unachievable (adj.) – not able to be accomplished or reached
impracticable (adj.) – incapable of being carried out or put into practice
unattainable (adj.) – not able to be reached or achieved
🚫 Antonyms
possible (adj.) – able to be done or achieved
feasible (adj.) – possible to do easily or conveniently
achievable (adj.) – able to be accomplished successfully
🌱 Derivatives
impossibly (adv.) – to an extent or degree that makes something seem impossible
impossibility (n.) – the state or fact of being impossible
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English around the 14th century via Old French 'impossible', from Latin 'impossibilis'. It reflects the logical concept of absolute negation of possibility, often used in philosophical and scientific discourse to denote theoretical or practical limits.
Meaning 2：unreasonably difficult (impossible)
impossible
/ɪmˈpɒsəbl/
adj.
Used to describe a person, request, or behavior that is very unreasonable and difficult to deal with.
unreasonably difficult
➕
/ʌnˈriːznəbli ˈdɪfɪkəlt/
adj.
Used to characterize a person, demand, or situation that is extremely uncooperative, challenging, or unacceptable.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My boss is being impossible lately, changing deadlines every few hours.
My supervisor has been acting in an extremely unreasonable and difficult manner recently, constantly revising deadlines.
🔗 Collocations
impossible to please – extremely difficult to satisfy or make happy
an impossible situation – a circumstance that is intolerable and offers no good solutions
make life impossible – to behave in a way that causes great difficulty for someone else
🔄 Synonyms
unreasonable (adj.) – not guided by or based on good sense; demanding too much
intolerable (adj.) – unable to be endured or accepted
insufferable (adj.) – too extreme to bear; unbearably arrogant or annoying
🚫 Antonyms
reasonable (adj.) – fair and sensible; not demanding too much
accommodating (adj.) – willing to fit in with someone's wishes or needs
manageable (adj.) – able to be controlled or dealt with without great difficulty
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