adj.
Pronunciation: ' pä-s ə -b ə l
Function: 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>.