Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Capable of happening or existing: Refers to something that can occur, be done, or be true, even if not certain.
   • Potentially achievable or suitable: Describes something that may be realized or someone who may be appropriate for a role.

2. Noun:

   • A potential candidate or applicant: Someone who is considered suitable for a position or role.
   • Something that can be done or achieved: Often used in the context of limits or potential outcomes.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • A breakthrough may be possible next year. (It is capable of happening.)
  • He is a possible candidate for the job. (He is potentially suitable.)
  • It is possible that she forgot the meeting. (It can be true.)
• Noun:
  • He is one of the possibles for the team. (He is a potential candidate.)
  • Politics is the art of the possible. (It involves what can be achieved within limits.)

Advanced Usage

• As soon as possible: At the earliest achievable time.
  • Please send the report as soon as possible.
• If possible: Used to make a polite request, indicating a preference if it can be done.
  • I would like a window seat, if possible.
• Within the realm of the possible: Something that is achievable or conceivable.
  • Interstellar travel is not yet within the realm of the possible.

Variants and Related Words

• Possibly (adverb): Used to indicate uncertainty or to make a statement less definite.
  • He is possibly the best player on the team.
• Possibility (noun): The state or fact of being possible; a thing that may happen or be the case.
  • There is a strong possibility of rain tomorrow.

Synonyms

• Feasible: Capable of being done or carried out.
• Potential: Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.
• Conceivable: Capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.

Related Phrases

• Do one's possible: To try as hard as one can; to do everything within one's power.
  • I will do my possible to finish on time.
• The best possible: The most favorable or optimal outcome achievable.
  • We aim to provide the best possible service.

Idioms

• Anything is possible: Used to express that no outcome can be ruled out, often to encourage optimism.
  • Don't give up on your dreams; anything is possible.
• Make it possible: To enable something to happen.
  • Your donation will make it possible to fund the research.

Adjective

1. existing in possibility
   • a potential problem
   • possible uses of nuclear power
2. capable of happening or existing
   • a breakthrough may be possible next year
   • anything is possible
   • warned of possible consequences

Noun

1. an applicant who might be suitable
2. something that can be done
   • politics is the art of the possible