IMPOSSIBLE


Meaning of IMPOSSIBLE in English

/ ɪmˈpɒsəbl; NAmE -ˈpɑːs-/ adjective

1.

that cannot exist or be done; not possible :

almost / virtually impossible

It's impossible for me to be there before eight.

It's impossible to prove.

I find it impossible to lie to her.

an impossible dream / goal

OPP possible

2.

very difficult to deal with :

I've been placed in an impossible position .

Honestly, you're impossible at times!

3.

the impossible noun [ sing. ] a thing that is or seems impossible :

to attempt the impossible

►  im·pos·si·bil·ity / ɪmˌpɒsəˈbɪləti; NAmE -ˌpɑːsə-/ noun [ U , C , usually sing. ] ( pl. -ies ):

the sheer impossibility of providing enough food for everyone

a virtual impossibility

►  im·pos·sibly / ɪmˈpɒsəbli; NAmE -ˈpɑːs-/ adverb :

an impossibly difficult problem (= impossible to solve)

He was impossibly handsome (= it was difficult to believe that he could be so handsome ) .

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WORD ORIGIN

Middle English : from Old French , or from Latin impossibilis , from in- not + possibilis , from posse be able.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.