possibly
/'pɔsəbli/
Definition
- Adverb:
- Indicating that something is within the realm of possibility or is achievable: Used to express that something could happen or be true, though it is not certain.
- Used to make a statement or suggestion less definite or more polite: Often softens a statement, making it sound less direct or absolute.
- Used for emphasis, especially in negative sentences or questions, to mean "in any way" or "at all": Emphasizes that something is not possible or is very difficult to imagine.
Examples of Usage
- Indicating possibility:
- She will possibly call tomorrow. (It is not certain, but she might call.)
- It may possibly rain later. (There is a chance of rain.)
- Making a statement less definite:
- That is possibly the best solution. (This suggests it might be the best, without stating it as a definite fact.)
- He is possibly the most talented player on the team.
- Used for emphasis in negatives/questions:
- They can't possibly get here in time. (It is completely impossible for them to arrive in time.)
- How could he possibly know that? (Expresses strong doubt about how he could know.)
Advanced Usage
- "May/might possibly": A double construction used for extra hesitation or politeness.
- I may possibly be able to help you next week. (This is more tentative than "I may be able to help.")
- "Could possibly": Similar to "may possibly," used to express a tentative possibility.
- We could possibly finish the project early.
- "As ... as possibly can be": Used for emphasis in comparisons.
- Please be as quiet as you possibly can. (Emphasizes the maximum effort required.)
Variants and Related Words
- Possible (adjective): Able to be done or achieved; capable of existing or happening.
- Is it possible to finish today?
- Possibility (noun): A thing that may happen or be the case; the state or fact of being possible.
- There is a strong possibility of success.
Synonyms
- Perhaps: Used to express uncertainty or possibility.
- Maybe: Perhaps; possibly.
- Perchance (archaic/literary): By some chance; perhaps.
- Conceivably: Capable of being imagined or believed.
Related Phrases
- Possibly not: Used to give a negative answer that is not completely definite.
- "Will you attend the meeting?" – "Possibly not." (Meaning "Probably not" or "It's unlikely.")
- If at all possible: Used to emphasize a strong request or condition.
- Please arrive on time, if at all possible.
Idioms
- (Not) by any possibility: Used for emphasis in negative contexts.
- I cannot by any possibility agree to those terms. (It is completely impossible for me to agree.)
- Within the bounds/realms of possibility: Something that could happen.
- Victory is still within the bounds of possibility.
Adverb
-
to a degree possible of achievement or by possible means
-
they can't possibly get here in time for the funeral?
-
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by chance
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perhaps she will call tomorrow
-
we may possibly run into them at the concert
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it may peradventure be thought that there never was such a time
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