Possible Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：achievable (possible)

possible 🔊

/ˈpɒsəbəl/

adj.

able to be done or to happen; not impossible.

Person at crossroads choosing path, symbolizing possible choices and opportunities

achievable 🔊

➕

/əˈtʃiːvəbəl/

adj.

Describes something that can be done or can happen, not ruled out.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'possibilis' (posse 'to be able' + -ibilis).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'posse' (Latin for ability) and 'ible' (can be done). Posse + ible = possible.

📖 Example

With enough preparation, it is possible to achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. 🔊 With enough preparation, it is possible to achieve high scores in the IELTS exam.

🔗 Collocations

possible solution – a solution that may work

possible outcome – a result that could happen

as soon as possible – at the earliest opportunity

🔄 Synonyms

feasible (adj.) – Possible and practical to achieve.

likely (adj.) – Probable; expected to happen.

doable (adj.) – Able to be carried out or achieved.

🚫 Antonyms

impossible (adj.) – Not able to be done or happen.

unlikely (adj.) – Not probable; unlikely to happen.

🌱 Derivatives

possibility (n.) – The state or fact of being possible.

possibly (adv.) – Perhaps; maybe.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'posse' ('to be able'), 'possible' entered English via Old French in the 14th century. It has been a core concept in philosophy, science, and everyday language, exploring what can exist or occur.