Reading Theme:
Possibility: Meaning, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：something that may happen (possibility)
possibility
/ˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/
n.
The fact that something might happen or be true.
something that may happen
➕
/ˈsʌmθɪŋ ðæt meɪ ˈhæpən/
n.
The state or fact of being possible; the chance that something might exist or occur.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'possibilitas', from 'posse' (to be able) + '-abilitas' (ability).
💡 Mnemonic
Possi + ability: imagine a 'possible ability' waiting to become real, like a seed that can grow.
📖 Example
I'm excited about the possibility of learning a new language next year.
I'm excited about the possibility of learning a new language next year.
🔗 Collocations
a remote possibility – a very small chance
consider the possibility – think about whether something could happen
possibility of failure – the chance that something may not succeed
🔄 Synonyms
chance (n.) – the possibility of something happening
likelihood (n.) – the chance that something will happen
potential (n.) – latent qualities that may be developed
🚫 Antonyms
impossibility (n.) – the state of not being able to happen
certainty (n.) – something that is definitely going to happen
📖 Cultural Story
In ancient Greek philosophy, 'dynamis' meant potentiality. Aristotle contrasted actuality with potentiality, laying the foundation for the modern concept of possibility as a state between nothingness and reality.
Meaning 2：a potential option (possibility)
possibility
/ˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/
n.
Something that might happen or a choice you could make.
a potential option
➕
/ə pəˈtenʃəl ˈɒpʃən/
n.
A thing that may be chosen or done out of several possible alternatives.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She is exploring different career possibilities after graduation, such as teaching or graphic design.
She is exploring different career possibilities after graduation, such as teaching or graphic design.
🔗 Collocations
explore all possibilities – consider every available option
open up new possibilities – create new opportunities
limited possibilities – few choices available
🔄 Synonyms
option (n.) – a thing that may be chosen
alternative (n.) – one of two or more available choices
scenario (n.) – a possible sequence of events
🚫 Antonyms
constraint (n.) – a limitation or restriction
dead end (n.) – a situation with no further progress possible
🌱 Derivatives
possibilist (n.) – a person who believes in achievable possibilities
Wordbook
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