POSSIBLE


Meaning of POSSIBLE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈpä-sə-bəl ]

adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin possibilis, from posse to be able, from potis, pote able + esse to be — more at potent , is

Date: 14th century

1.

a. : being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization

a possible but difficult task

b. : being what may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners

the best possible care

the worst possible circumstance

2.

a. : being something that may or may not occur

a possible surprise visit

b. : being something that may or may not be true or actual

possible explanation

3. : having an indicated potential

a possible housing site

Synonyms:

possible , practicable , feasible mean capable of being realized. possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired

commercially feasible for mass production

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.