possibleadj.adv.n.

Brit.

/ˈpɒsᵻbl/, U.S.

/ˈpɑsəb(ə)l/

Forms: Middle English passibel (transmission error), Middle English possibel, Middle English possibelle, Middle English possibill, Middle English possibull, Middle English possibyl, Middle English possybil, Middle English possybille, Middle English possybull, Middle English possybyl, Middle English possybylle, Middle English posybyll, Middle English–1500s possibil, Middle English–1500s possyble, Middle English–1500s possybyll, Middle English– possible, 1500s possybell, 1500s possybul, 1500s prossible (transmission error), 1500s–1700s posible, 1700s– possable (nonstandard), 1800s pozzible (Manx English); Scottish pre-1700 posabell, pre-1700 posabyll, pre-1700 posibell, pre-1700 possabill, pre-1700 posscopyl (perhaps transmission error), pre-1700 possebil, pre-1700 possibil, pre-1700 possibill, pre-1700 possibille, pre-1700 possibyl, pre-1700 posybyl, pre-1700 1700s– possible, pre-1700 (1800s– nonstandard) possable. N.E.D. (1907) also records a form of the ending Middle English -bile.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French possible; Latin possibilis.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman possibel , Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French possible (adjective) that can be done, that may happen (c1265 in Old French), (noun) something that can be done, something that may happen (c1495), (adverb) possibly (c1530), and its etymon classical Latin possibilis that can be or may exist or be done, possible (Quintilian), in post-classical Latin also capable (5th cent.), (in mathematics) real (1707 in the passage translated in quot. 1720 at sense A. 5) < posse to be able (see posse n.¹) + -bilis -ble suffix, formed by Quintilian to render ancient Greek δυνατός possible. Compare Italian possibile (1292), Spanish posible (a1495), Portuguese possível (16th cent.). With use as noun compare post-classical Latin possible (neuter) possible or potential thing (from 12th cent. in British sources).

A. adj.

1. That is capable of being; that may or can exist, be done, or happen (in general, or in given or assumed conditions or circumstances); that is in a person's power, that a person can do, exert, use, etc.

a. Qualifying a noun or pronoun, attributively or predicatively.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > feasible

openOE

possiblec1384

doablec1443

feasiblec1460

agible?a1475

performable1548

parable1563

practiceable1570

compassable1581

factible1585

effectuable1590

practicable1593

exploitable1611

achievable1634

effectible1646

operable1646

accomplishable1657

perpetrable1680

workable1756

executable1796

expeditable1820

workable1822

powerable1860

runnable1860

manageable1866

actable1876

viable1955

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective]

possiblec1384

possibly1542

resortible1586

feasible1611

mortal1616

maybe1687

poss1853

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) Luke xviii. 27 Tho thingis that ben vnpossible anemptis men ben possible anemptis God.

c1395 G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale 826 Euery confort possible in this cas They doon to hire.

c1400 (?c1380) Pearl 452 If possyble were her mendyng.

?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 182 (MED) & þerfore be addicioun oþer diminicioun in passibel cures after þe diuerse degrees of hem, a man most make his medicine stronge oþer weike oþer atwixe two.

a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 123 We woll considre next his extra ordinarie charges, also ferre as may be possible to vs.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Mark ix. f. lvij^v All thynges are possyble to hym that belevith.

?1541 R. Copland Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens i. sig. Aiij^v He ought to procede to the healyng of the pacyent in all that may lye in hym possyble.

1564 A. Golding tr. Justinus Hist. Trogus Pompeius xi. f. 54 He passed the mountaine Taurus with all spede possible.

1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 42 To make a Triangle..whose Base shall be equal to any (possible) Number given.

1777 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 150 When we speak only of things, not persons, we have a right to express ourselves with all possible energy.

1823 W. Scoresby Jrnl. Voy. Northern Whale-fishery p. xxxv The manners of the Esquimaux..being the most suitable possible to the nature of the climate.

1856 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters III. 310 All real and wholesome enjoyments possible to man have been just as possible to him, since first he was made of the earth, as they are now.

1870 W. S. Jevons Elem. Lessons Logic xxii. 187 Thomson much extends the list of possible syllogisms.

1907 H. James Amer. Scene x. 322 The Country Club, for instance, as I have already had occasion to note, is everywhere a clear American felicity; a complete product of the social soil and air which alone have made it possible.

1962 E. Roosevelt Autobiogr. iii. xxxiii. 257 Much had been done in the past by Hadassah, which built and ran hospitals made possible by generous donations of persons in many countries.

1999 Daily Mail Ski & Snowboard Dec. 80/1 From powered heliskiing on the Mont Blanc massif to family skiing on long easy runs, everything is possible.

b. Qualifying an infinitive clause or other clause, usually introduced by it.

ΚΠ

c1385 G. Chaucer Knight's Tale 1240 For possible is, syn thow hast hir presence And art a knyght..That by som caas..Thow mayst to thy desir som tyme atteyne.

a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 6328 And if possibel whare, als es noght, Þat ilk man als mykel syn had wroght Als alle þe men þat in þe werld euer was.

a1492 W. Caxton tr. Vitas Patrum (1495) ii. f. ccix/1 It is not vnto vs possyble for to see eche other.

1562 W. Turner 2nd Pt. Herball f. 41 It is not possible to discern the one from the other.

1568 Ballad against Evil Women in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1930) IV. 33 And possible war in till ane cumly corss Wyiss salamons wit and his hie sapience.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) v. ii. 171 No, it is not possible you should loue the Enemie of France, Kate.

1705 S. Clarke Being & Attrib. God x. 171 It is possible to Infinite Power, to indue a Creature with the Power of Beginning Motion.

a1822 P. B. Shelley Homer's Hymn to Mercury lxix, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 318 How was it possible..That you, a little child, born yesterday,..Could two prodigious heifers ever flay?

1920 Times 2 Jan. 11/6 It was possible to read of Mons and not flinch.

1976 Daily Tel. 30 June 2/2 It was also theoretically possible that genetic engineering could enable diabetics to produce insulin.

1991 Midnight Zoo 1 v. 9/1 Himalayan Buddhism holds that it is possible to create living beings out of pure thought.

c. With passive infinitive or other complement: able to be acted on or affected in a specified way; susceptible of some operation or process. Now rare.

ΚΠ

c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 115 Gif thare be ony thing..possible tobe done, he sall nocht trait jt tobe jmpossible.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 409 When King Henry had thus mortised himselfe and his issue so sure and fast, as he thought, that the same was not possible to be remooued, then [etc.].

1663 R. Boyle Some Considerations Usefulnesse Exper. Nat. Philos. ii. i. 10 It is possible to be safely made, though many..have but unprosperously attempted it.

1706 F. Atterbury Serm. Funeral Mr. Bennet 7 All the Advantages and Satisfactions of this World, which are possible to be attained by him.

1851 H. Spencer Social Statics 82 A limit almost always possible of exact ascertainment.

1891 Times 29 Sept. 10/2 Their only chance of a quiet life..consists in..their providing the very best elementary education which is possible to be given in any school.

1976 D. K. Goodwin Lyndon Johnson & Amer. Dream 206 He was far from deciding what means should be employed—whether, indeed, the objectives were possible of fulfilment.

†d. Chiefly Scottish. Short for ‘all possible’, ‘the greatest possible’. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > greatest in quantity, amount, or degree > greatest possible

allOE

possible1488

1488 in 6th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS: Pt. I (1877) App. 704/2 in Parl. Papers (C. 1745) XLVII. 1 I sal..lat it at my possable pouer.

1575 in J. D. Marwick Rec. Convent. Royal Burghs Scotl. (1870) I. 46 To mak the provest..to be aduerteist thairof with diligence possibill.

1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 281 Ilk flies to his awne cuntrie with possable haist.

1692 in C. M. Armet Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court Deeds (1953) II. 433 [Cooll giving his] possible [assistance].

e. In elliptical phrases, as if possible, when possible, as far (also much) as possible, etc.

ΚΠ

1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 490 Let me here..expiate, if possible, my crime.

1688 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 229 Notice be given to as many of The Members as possible.

1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 58. ¶2 I shall endeavour as much as possible to establish among us a Taste of polite Writing.

1719 J. Addison Wks. (1721) I. Ded. to Craggs 2 That they may come to you with as little disadvantage as possible.

1741 I. Watts Improvem. Mind i. xiv. 208 Endeavour to apply every speculative Study, as far as possible, to some practical Use.

1824 T. Carlyle tr. Wilhelm Meister II. xii. 237 If one did not try to parget-up the outward man as long as possible.

1882 Knowledge 2 70 So that she might be cured, if possible.

1899 Times 20 Jan. 15/1 The local bodies were not sufficiently alive to the duty of sparing the income-tax as much as possible.

1955 D. Eden Darling Clementine (1959) 183 Brigit wanted them there as long as possible.

1991 Pract. Householder Apr. 11/2 Look for timber that is straight and, if possible, does not have too many knots in it.

2004 M. Potter Set Theory & its Philos. xiii. 233 Part of what makes large cardinals so hard to accept is precisely the Cantorian finitism, which has sometimes been used to motivate them. This is the idea that infinite sets are, as far as possible, just like finite sets.

f. That can be or become (what is denoted by the following noun); that is potentially a ——; that could turn into a ——. Cf. sense A. 3b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] > having capacity

potentiala1398

capable1590

susceptiblea1639

possible1736

1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. Introd. p. iii Nothing which is the possible object of Knowledge..can be probable to an infinite Intelligence.

1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits v. 105 The laborer is a possible lord. The lord is a possible basket-maker.

1863 A. P. Stanley Lect. Jewish Church I. xvi. 361 Of the three possible harbours..they made no use.

1990 O. Chadwick Michael Ramsey (1991) 73 Canon Lucas..decided while Ramsey was the professor at Durham that this was a possible Archbishop of Canterbury.

2005 Roanoke (Va.) Times & World News (Nexis) 22 Feb. b1 The supervisors voted last month to take an option on a possible jail site in Roanoke County.

†2. Having the power to do something; able, capable. Obsolete. rare. Cf. possibility n. 3a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective]

ablea1382

virtuousc1425

capyousc1430

capax1432

possiblea1460

bastant1594

capable1597

powerful1620

a1460 tr. Dicts & Sayings Philosophers (Helm.) (1999) 221 (MED) The predycacion is nat to be allowed that is ouer the powere of the herers, but that is good that the herer is possible to bere it aweye.

1512 Helyas in W. J. Thoms Coll. Early Prose Romances (1828) III. 131 Yf ye be able and possible to reedifie the churches of God.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 359 Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve.

a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) II. xiv. 273 The only offence against him of which she could accuse herself, had been such as was scarcely possible to reach his knowledge.

a. Expressing the contingency of a state of affairs, object, etc.: that may be or may come to be; that may be conjectured to be (though not known not to be); that is perhaps true or a fact; that may exist.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] > of possible occurrence

contingentc1400

conceivablec1443

possible1582

conceptible1641

inventible1641

entertainable1658

earthly1679

possible1780

contingency1931

1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. lxv. 132 b That you shoulde understand, wherefore and for what cause I remained in the Indias, for that it is possible that all you do not know.

1693 J. Dryden Disc. Orig. & Progr. Satire in Ess. (1900) II. 25 In such an age, it is possible some great genius may arise, to equal any of the ancients.

1736 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. VII. 369 Swept away all actual and possible debts.

1841 M. Elphinstone Hist. India I. App. iii. 443 The Jats, whose possible descent from the Getæ has been discussed in another place.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxii. 157 The thought of the possible loss of my axe at the summit was here forcibly revived.

1906 Westm. Gaz. 31 Oct. 4/2 ‘As to what is scientifically possible or impossible,’ writes Sir Oliver, ‘anything not self-contradictory or inconsistent with other truth is possible.’

1967 A. Djoleto Strange Man x. 170 Odoi was not pleased with the way Klu wanted to bluff his way out of possible trouble.

1981 P. Lomas Case for Personal Psychotherapy vii. 103 Paranoia describes a state of mind which fails to distinguish between possible and likely harm.

b. That will perhaps prove to be or to have been (what is denoted by the following noun); that may perhaps be but is not known to be a ——. Cf. sense A. 1f.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] > of possible occurrence

contingentc1400

conceivablec1443

possible1582

conceptible1641

inventible1641

entertainable1658

earthly1679

possible1780

contingency1931

1780 B. Franklin Paris 1018 There are possible Unpleasantnesses in that Situation; it cannot be obtain'd but by a too hazardous Voyage at this time for a Family.

1826 Times 3 June 2/4 Whatever may be the possible result, at present it is certain that no disturbance has taken place.

1882 B. Harte Flip, & Found at Blazing Star 8 Still less would any passing stranger have recognized in this blonde faun the possible outcast and murderer.

1884 Manch. Examiner 10 May 5/6 Assiduous efforts..in whipping up every possible supporter of the Bill.

1914 Times 7 Aug. 3/3 Never before in our history have we entered upon war with so great a naval superiority over all possible enemies.

1988 Woman's Day (N.Y.) Jan. 20/2 Poor posture can..bring on a headache. A dental disorder called TMJ syndrome is another possible culprit.

1993 Times Lit. Suppl. 10 Sept. 20/1 Dr John Dee, complete Renaissance wiz and gull,..scryer, possible spy, glossolalist and dupe.

4. Philosophy. Logically conceivable; having the property, whether or not it actually exists, of not being excluded from existence by being logically contradictory or against reason. Frequently attributive, esp. in possible world. Also in more general use, originally with allusion to Voltaire's Candide (see quot. 1759).

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > [noun] > part of

worldc1175

regionc1350

realm1565

possible worlda1674

by-world1709

the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > [adjective] > logically possible

possiblea1674

the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > philosophy of optimism > [noun] > Leibniz' philosophy of optimism and its adherents > elements of

(principle or law of) sufficient reason1656

possible worlda1674

pre-established harmony1725

a1674 T. Traherne Cent. of Medit. (1927) iii. xxxix. 180 The best of all possible ends is the Glory of God... It is the Glory of God to give all things to us in the best of all possible manners.

1692 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. vi. 28 Now what might always be an exception against all possible Worlds, can never be a just one against any whatsover [sic].

1738 Bayle's Gen. Dict. Hist. & Crit. (new ed.) VI. 674/1 That cause must also be intelligent; for this world, which actually exists, being contingent, and an infinite number of other worlds being equally possible; the cause of the world must have considered all these possible worlds to pitch upon one.

1759 W. Rider tr. Voltaire Candidus i. 3 Pangloss read Lectures in Metaphisico-theologo-cosmolo-nigology. He demonstrated that there can be no Effect without a Cause, that in this best of possible Worlds, the Baron's Castle was the finest, and my Lady the best of all possible Baronesses.

1878 S. H. Hodgson Philos. of Refl. I. i. 79 There is then, beside our determinate world, a world indeterminate to us, but possible if there should be other modes of consciousness than ours, that is possible to our thought since we imagine its condition, and actual to those other modes, if they are actually existing.

1900 B. Russell Crit. Expos. Philos. Leibniz v. 68 It may be well..to enumerate the principal respects in which all possible worlds agree, and the respects in which other possible worlds might differ from the actual world.

1924 A. Huxley Little Mexican 166 Next to the intimate and trusted friend, the perfect stranger is the best of all possible confidants.

1966 R. F. Anderson Hume's First Princ. i. 3 (heading) Whatever is conceivable is possible.

1982 A. J. Ayer Philos. in Twentieth Cent. vii. 205 One may hope that it is only philosophers who conjure with possible worlds and make heavy weather of necessity.

†5. Mathematics. = real adj.² 5. Opposed to impossible adj. 2. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [adjective] > prime > real

real1668

possible1720

1720 J. Raphson & S. Cunn tr. I. Newton Universal Arithmetick 224 If the four Roots of the Biquadratick Æquation are possible [L. possibiles], the three Roots of the Cubick Æquation..will be possible [L. possibiles] also.

1798 J. Wood Elem. Algebra (ed. 2) 190 If the last term of an equation of any even number of dimensions be negative, it will have at least two possible roots, one positive and the other negative.

1874 I. Todhunter Trigonom. (1882) xix. §271. 216 If n be even, the last term..is possible, namely (−1)^ⁿ/ _² sinⁿθ, and the last term but one is impossible, namely n(−1)^{^n-1}/ _² cos θ sinⁿ⁻¹θ.

6. Able to be dealt with, understood, taken into consideration, etc.; suitable, tolerable; reasonable, worth considering. Opposed to impossible adj. 3.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > [adjective]

understandinga1382

sensiblea1393

knowablea1425

perceivablec1443

takablec1449

understandablec1475

intendible1489

intentiblea1492

intelligible1509

facile1531

level1559

discernable1561

receptible1574

intendable?1577

excogitable1592

penetrable1594

comprehensible1598

scrutablec1604

distinguishable1611

discernible1616

perviousa1631

fathomable1633

cognoscible1648

colligible1650

determinable1658

intelligent1676

cognizable1681

apprehensive1692

susceptible1694

tangible1709

apprehensible1715

pronounced1728

comprehendible1814

graspable1818

prehensiblea1832

prononcé1838

possible1864

receivable1865

unsmothered1891

readable1908

discriminable1946

the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > feasible > capable of being dealt with

treatable1570

feasible1611

copable1667

dealable1667

possible1864

1864 M. Arnold Joubert in National Rev. Jan. 177 He [sc. Joubert] was more possible than Coleridge; his doctrine was more intelligible than Coleridge's, more receivable.

1910 E. M. Forster Howards End xxxi. 258 The only possible place for a house in Shropshire is on a hill; but, for my part, I think the country is too far from London, and the scenery nothing special.

1929 A. Huxley Let. 26 Aug. (1969) 317 One is at 3500 feet in a rather primitive but quite possible little hotel.

1934 H. G. Wells Exper. in Autobiogr. I. vi. 313 I went the round of the scholastic agents,..and I answered many impossible and some possible advertisements.

1968 A. Munro in R. Weaver Canad. Short Stories (1968) 2nd Ser. 300 Leaving Miss Marsalles and her no longer possible parties behind, quite certainly forever.

1973 H. Brodkey in Amer. Rev. Feb. 3 I was aware that each of her downfalls made her more possible for me.

†B. adv.

= possibly adv. and n. Frequently used as an intensifier of can or could. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adverb]

welleOE

possiblyc1400

possiblea1425

contingentlyc1430

potentiallyc1450

perhapsa1535

as and when1565

conceivably1625

if you like1813

a1425 (?c1375) N. Homily Legendary (Harl.) in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 139 (MED) Grete bataill was to com, and possibill men to be slane.

a1500 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Sloane) f. 65^v Possibull [v.rr. possible, possybyl, possibil; c1400 Brussels alle the conclusions that..possibly myghten be fownden in..an astrelabie, ben vnknowe parfitly to eny mortal man in this region].

1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 30^v Crito had afore dooen all that euer he might possible dooe.

1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. v. 25 He furnished a fresh Nauy of Ships, with all the hast he could possible.

1678 I. Walton Life of Sanderson 53 I wonder how a person could possible be deceived with it.

a1704 T. Brown Dialogue Oxf. Schollars in Wks. (1707) I. iii. 9 I shall certainly have..as many mischievous Tricks plaid me as they can possible.

1799 J. West Tale of Times II. 223 She became as cold..in her answers as the rules of civility could possible admit.

1862 W. Collins No Name ii. 304 I am a Rogue; and, in that capacity (as I have already pointed out), the most useful man you could possible have met with.

C. n.

a. Usually with the. Whatever is possible; that which can exist, happen, or be done. the art of the possible [with allusion to German Die Politik ist die Lehre vom Möglichen (attributed to Otto von Bismarck, 1867)] : politics.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > easiness > [noun] > feasibility > art of

the art of the possible1646

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [noun] > that which is possible

possible1646

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [noun] > that which is possible > art of

the art of the possible1646

1646 H. Lawrence Of Communion & Warre with Angels 75 If wee speake of the possible, of what may be.

1761 tr. C. Batteux Course Belles Lettres II. i. 226 What might have been, is the possible, as to the circumstances of time, place, and persons.

1844 E. B. Barrett Poems II. 134 God's possible is taught by His world's loving, And the children doubt of each.

1879 ‘G. Eliot’ Theophrastus Such vii. 139 The Possible is always the ultimate master of our efforts and desires.

1969 D. C. Hague Managerial Econ. i. 12 Management, like politics, is the art of the possible.

1979 Guardian 31 Oct. 4/4 Britain's strong suit is jurisprudence. France's is the art of the possible.

1987 J. Uglow George Eliot viii. 131 Tom is rarely worried by the discrepancy between the possible and the real: for him, what he sees, exists.

b. to do one's possible [after French faire son possible (c1510 in Middle French)] : to do what is possible for one to do, to do one's utmost. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > effort or exertion > exert oneself or make an effort [verb (intransitive)] > do one's utmost

to do (also lay) one's mightc1175

to do, make one's wisec1290

to do (also make) one's powerc1390

to hold (also keep) foot withc1438

to do one's force?c1450

to do or die1487

to do one's endeavour(sc1500

to do the best of one's power1523

to do (also try) one's best1585

to do one's possible1792

to pull out all the stops1927

to bust (also break) one's balls1968

1792 H. More Lett. (1925) 175 I thought to have sent a line to Mr. T. but I have done my possible in writing for to-day.

1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl VII. iv. 176 He did his possible, but old Turgid was neither to be led nor driven.

1808 in R. Southey Life A. Bell (1844) II. 483 I had done my possible (in French phrase) to gratify you.

1838 S. Smith in Lady Holland Mem. (1855) II. 408 I would however have done my possible.

1847 Times 3 Aug. 6/4 The Resident cannot, apparently, help the Minister, he has already done his possible in marching troops.

1922 E. E. Cummings Let. 26 Feb. (1969) 83 Dos's first words to me were a grim assurance that..his possible would be done to save The Chambre énorme from any similar fate.

a. Chiefly Philosophy. A possible thing or circumstance; something that may exist or happen. Cf. possibility n. 3a. Usually in plural.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [noun] > a possible thing or circumstance

possibilityc1460

perhapsa1535

potential1587

potentiality1587

maybe1598

contingencya1626

contingent1655

conceivable1659

possiblea1674

conceptiblea1676

cogitable1678

chance1778

it's an idea1841

may1849

might1850

thought1857

possibly1881

shot1923

a1674 T. Traherne Christian Ethicks (1675) 173 Inferior Possibles are more remote, and only thought on in the second place.

1754 J. Edwards Careful Enq. Freedom of Will ii. iii. 46 Any Thing else of all the infinite Number of Possibles.

1876 A. D. Whitney Sights & Insights II. xiv. 448 I know..who is a higher, and fresher, and sweeter possible of me.

1903 B. Russell Mind 12 184 Already in December 1676 Leibniz held that not all possibles exist.

1933 Philos. Rev. 42 417 There is no fiction too grotesque and no conception too extravagant to find a place in the all-embracing realm of possibles.

1974 Jrnl. Philos. 71 587 Ontology tends to be a function of epistemology (as in arguments for sensa and against theoretical entities), semantics (as in arguments for unactualized possibles to account for the meaningfulness of various sentences), and so on.

b. colloquial. A possible score in a shooting competition; esp. the highest possible score or number of points. Also in extended use.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > competitive shooting > [noun] > score in match > perfect score

possible1866

straight1903

1866 York Herald 6 Aug. 5/4 Two highest possibles were recorded, the 1st Glo'ster taking first prize on account of time; the second going to 1st Hants.

1896 Westm. Gaz. 14 July 9/1 Putting on a possible at 800 yards.

1917 J. A. Moss What's Sammy Doing 62 You'll make a marksman's score, my boy, or bigger, A ‘possible’—at least so we're told.

1942 F. R. Meyer Fighting Talk at Possible Perfect rifle score.

1960 Archery (‘Know the Game Ser.’) 29/2 Nobody has yet shot a ‘possible’ in any recognised tournament or even in practice in a standard ‘round’.

1986 Handgunner Aug. 15/2 It was the first English 20 yd. possible, and..was good shooting by anyone's standards, and is still displayed in the old Ham & Pete clubhouse.

1987 Sc. Curler Sept. 26 With last stone, Mickey accurately struck the opposition fourth shot and lay to score the ‘possible’.

c. A person who or thing which possibly may have done, may do, or may attain something (specified or implied); a person who or thing which might be chosen from among several alternatives, as a possible candidate, member of a team, sexual partner, etc. Cf. possibility n. 3b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [noun] > a possible thing or circumstance > person

possible1915

1915 J. Buchan Thirty-nine Steps vii. 180 You're in no danger from the law of this land... They have dropped you from the list of possibles.

1923 Daily Mail 3 Mar. 13 C. L. Spackman..and H. J. Still as reserve backs are possibles.

1948 ‘J. Tey’ Franchise Affair xi. 117 He hadn't even thought of her when he sat down... She just wouldn't occur to any man as a possible.

1959 Times Lit. Suppl. 6 Nov. p. xx/4 Most of the presidential possibles in this year are college graduates.

1973 D. Westheimer Going Public ix. 136 Some files they rejected..others they read through. A considerable stack of possibles began to mount.

1992 S. Albrecht Contact & Cover i. iv. 35 Some Cover Officers will say ‘Two possibles at ten o'clock’, meaning that two potentially hostile subjects are approaching from the Contact Officer's left.

3. In plural. slang (North American in later use). Necessaries, means, belongings, supplies; esp. the portable property of a mountaineer, trapper, pioneer, etc., in western North America.Also (in singular) in possible-sack.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > instrumentality > [noun] > (a) means > resources

facultya1382

myance?a1513

moyen1547

facility1555

means1560

resource1611

foisona1616

wherewith1674

asset1677

stock-in-tradea1806

wherewithal1809

possibles1823

bag of tricks1841

potential1941

1823 ‘J. Bee’ Slang 96 High-tide, plenty of the possibles; whilst ‘low-water’ implies empty clies.

1824 Hist. Gaming Houses 61 Dick was sadly put to his trumps to raise the possibles.

1846 W. D. Stewart & J. W. Webb Altowan I. iv. 142 Having, by dint of much search in his possible-sack, found a piece of tobacco.

1851 M. Reid Scalp Hunters II. ii. 23 The hunters departed, each to look after his ‘traps and possibles’.

1886 Outing Dec. 198/2 Dick had a big tepé,..not ter speak uv a considerable lot of possibles ter make things comfortable.

1952 E. Haycox Earthbreakers xxxxvi. 325 All he carried was gun, powder flask and possible sack.

1994 C. McCarthy Crossing 254 He rummaged through his possibles and came up with a small black leather notebook.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	possible
释义	possibleadj.adv.n. Brit. /ˈpɒsᵻbl/, U.S. /ˈpɑsəb(ə)l/ Forms: Middle English passibel (transmission error), Middle English possibel, Middle English possibelle, Middle English possibill, Middle English possibull, Middle English possibyl, Middle English possybil, Middle English possybille, Middle English possybull, Middle English possybyl, Middle English possybylle, Middle English posybyll, Middle English–1500s possibil, Middle English–1500s possyble, Middle English–1500s possybyll, Middle English– possible, 1500s possybell, 1500s possybul, 1500s prossible (transmission error), 1500s–1700s posible, 1700s– possable (nonstandard), 1800s pozzible (Manx English); Scottish pre-1700 posabell, pre-1700 posabyll, pre-1700 posibell, pre-1700 possabill, pre-1700 posscopyl (perhaps transmission error), pre-1700 possebil, pre-1700 possibil, pre-1700 possibill, pre-1700 possibille, pre-1700 possibyl, pre-1700 posybyl, pre-1700 1700s– possible, pre-1700 (1800s– nonstandard) possable. N.E.D. (1907) also records a form of the ending Middle English -bile. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French possible; Latin possibilis. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman possibel , Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French possible (adjective) that can be done, that may happen (c1265 in Old French), (noun) something that can be done, something that may happen (c1495), (adverb) possibly (c1530), and its etymon classical Latin possibilis that can be or may exist or be done, possible (Quintilian), in post-classical Latin also capable (5th cent.), (in mathematics) real (1707 in the passage translated in quot. 1720 at sense A. 5) < posse to be able (see posse n.¹) + -bilis -ble suffix, formed by Quintilian to render ancient Greek δυνατός possible. Compare Italian possibile (1292), Spanish posible (a1495), Portuguese possível (16th cent.). With use as noun compare post-classical Latin possible (neuter) possible or potential thing (from 12th cent. in British sources). A. adj. 1. That is capable of being; that may or can exist, be done, or happen (in general, or in given or assumed conditions or circumstances); that is in a person's power, that a person can do, exert, use, etc. a. Qualifying a noun or pronoun, attributively or predicatively. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > feasible openOE possiblec1384 doablec1443 feasiblec1460 agible?a1475 performable1548 parable1563 practiceable1570 compassable1581 factible1585 effectuable1590 practicable1593 exploitable1611 achievable1634 effectible1646 operable1646 accomplishable1657 perpetrable1680 workable1756 executable1796 expeditable1820 workable1822 powerable1860 runnable1860 manageable1866 actable1876 viable1955 the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] possiblec1384 possibly1542 resortible1586 feasible1611 mortal1616 maybe1687 poss1853 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) Luke xviii. 27 Tho thingis that ben vnpossible anemptis men ben possible anemptis God. c1395 G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale 826 Euery confort possible in this cas They doon to hire. c1400 (?c1380) Pearl 452 If possyble were her mendyng. ?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 182 (MED) & þerfore be addicioun oþer diminicioun in passibel cures after þe diuerse degrees of hem, a man most make his medicine stronge oþer weike oþer atwixe two. a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 123 We woll considre next his extra ordinarie charges, also ferre as may be possible to vs. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Mark ix. f. lvij^v All thynges are possyble to hym that belevith. ?1541 R. Copland Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens i. sig. Aiij^v He ought to procede to the healyng of the pacyent in all that may lye in hym possyble. 1564 A. Golding tr. Justinus Hist. Trogus Pompeius xi. f. 54 He passed the mountaine Taurus with all spede possible. 1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 42 To make a Triangle..whose Base shall be equal to any (possible) Number given. 1777 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 150 When we speak only of things, not persons, we have a right to express ourselves with all possible energy. 1823 W. Scoresby Jrnl. Voy. Northern Whale-fishery p. xxxv The manners of the Esquimaux..being the most suitable possible to the nature of the climate. 1856 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters III. 310 All real and wholesome enjoyments possible to man have been just as possible to him, since first he was made of the earth, as they are now. 1870 W. S. Jevons Elem. Lessons Logic xxii. 187 Thomson much extends the list of possible syllogisms. 1907 H. James Amer. Scene x. 322 The Country Club, for instance, as I have already had occasion to note, is everywhere a clear American felicity; a complete product of the social soil and air which alone have made it possible. 1962 E. Roosevelt Autobiogr. iii. xxxiii. 257 Much had been done in the past by Hadassah, which built and ran hospitals made possible by generous donations of persons in many countries. 1999 Daily Mail Ski & Snowboard Dec. 80/1 From powered heliskiing on the Mont Blanc massif to family skiing on long easy runs, everything is possible. b. Qualifying an infinitive clause or other clause, usually introduced by it. ΚΠ c1385 G. Chaucer Knight's Tale 1240 For possible is, syn thow hast hir presence And art a knyght..That by som caas..Thow mayst to thy desir som tyme atteyne. a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 6328 And if possibel whare, als es noght, Þat ilk man als mykel syn had wroght Als alle þe men þat in þe werld euer was. a1492 W. Caxton tr. Vitas Patrum (1495) ii. f. ccix/1 It is not vnto vs possyble for to see eche other. 1562 W. Turner 2nd Pt. Herball f. 41 It is not possible to discern the one from the other. 1568 Ballad against Evil Women in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1930) IV. 33 And possible war in till ane cumly corss Wyiss salamons wit and his hie sapience. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) v. ii. 171 No, it is not possible you should loue the Enemie of France, Kate. View more context for this quotation 1705 S. Clarke Being & Attrib. God x. 171 It is possible to Infinite Power, to indue a Creature with the Power of Beginning Motion. a1822 P. B. Shelley Homer's Hymn to Mercury lxix, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 318 How was it possible..That you, a little child, born yesterday,..Could two prodigious heifers ever flay? 1920 Times 2 Jan. 11/6 It was possible to read of Mons and not flinch. 1976 Daily Tel. 30 June 2/2 It was also theoretically possible that genetic engineering could enable diabetics to produce insulin. 1991 Midnight Zoo 1 v. 9/1 Himalayan Buddhism holds that it is possible to create living beings out of pure thought. c. With passive infinitive or other complement: able to be acted on or affected in a specified way; susceptible of some operation or process. Now rare. ΚΠ c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 115 Gif thare be ony thing..possible tobe done, he sall nocht trait jt tobe jmpossible. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 409 When King Henry had thus mortised himselfe and his issue so sure and fast, as he thought, that the same was not possible to be remooued, then [etc.]. 1663 R. Boyle Some Considerations Usefulnesse Exper. Nat. Philos. ii. i. 10 It is possible to be safely made, though many..have but unprosperously attempted it. 1706 F. Atterbury Serm. Funeral Mr. Bennet 7 All the Advantages and Satisfactions of this World, which are possible to be attained by him. 1851 H. Spencer Social Statics 82 A limit almost always possible of exact ascertainment. 1891 Times 29 Sept. 10/2 Their only chance of a quiet life..consists in..their providing the very best elementary education which is possible to be given in any school. 1976 D. K. Goodwin Lyndon Johnson & Amer. Dream 206 He was far from deciding what means should be employed—whether, indeed, the objectives were possible of fulfilment. †d. Chiefly Scottish. Short for ‘all possible’, ‘the greatest possible’. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > greatest in quantity, amount, or degree > greatest possible allOE possible1488 1488 in 6th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS: Pt. I (1877) App. 704/2 in Parl. Papers (C. 1745) XLVII. 1 I sal..lat it at my possable pouer. 1575 in J. D. Marwick Rec. Convent. Royal Burghs Scotl. (1870) I. 46 To mak the provest..to be aduerteist thairof with diligence possibill. 1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 281 Ilk flies to his awne cuntrie with possable haist. 1692 in C. M. Armet Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court Deeds (1953) II. 433 [Cooll giving his] possible [assistance]. e. In elliptical phrases, as if possible, when possible, as far (also much) as possible, etc. ΚΠ 1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 490 Let me here..expiate, if possible, my crime. View more context for this quotation 1688 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 229 Notice be given to as many of The Members as possible. 1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 58. ¶2 I shall endeavour as much as possible to establish among us a Taste of polite Writing. 1719 J. Addison Wks. (1721) I. Ded. to Craggs 2 That they may come to you with as little disadvantage as possible. 1741 I. Watts Improvem. Mind i. xiv. 208 Endeavour to apply every speculative Study, as far as possible, to some practical Use. 1824 T. Carlyle tr. Wilhelm Meister II. xii. 237 If one did not try to parget-up the outward man as long as possible. 1882 Knowledge 2 70 So that she might be cured, if possible. 1899 Times 20 Jan. 15/1 The local bodies were not sufficiently alive to the duty of sparing the income-tax as much as possible. 1955 D. Eden Darling Clementine (1959) 183 Brigit wanted them there as long as possible. 1991 Pract. Householder Apr. 11/2 Look for timber that is straight and, if possible, does not have too many knots in it. 2004 M. Potter Set Theory & its Philos. xiii. 233 Part of what makes large cardinals so hard to accept is precisely the Cantorian finitism, which has sometimes been used to motivate them. This is the idea that infinite sets are, as far as possible, just like finite sets. f. That can be or become (what is denoted by the following noun); that is potentially a ——; that could turn into a ——. Cf. sense A. 3b. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] > having capacity potentiala1398 capable1590 susceptiblea1639 possible1736 1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. Introd. p. iii Nothing which is the possible object of Knowledge..can be probable to an infinite Intelligence. 1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits v. 105 The laborer is a possible lord. The lord is a possible basket-maker. 1863 A. P. Stanley Lect. Jewish Church I. xvi. 361 Of the three possible harbours..they made no use. 1990 O. Chadwick Michael Ramsey (1991) 73 Canon Lucas..decided while Ramsey was the professor at Durham that this was a possible Archbishop of Canterbury. 2005 Roanoke (Va.) Times & World News (Nexis) 22 Feb. b1 The supervisors voted last month to take an option on a possible jail site in Roanoke County. †2. Having the power to do something; able, capable. Obsolete. rare. Cf. possibility n. 3a. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > [adjective] ablea1382 virtuousc1425 capyousc1430 capax1432 possiblea1460 bastant1594 capable1597 powerful1620 a1460 tr. Dicts & Sayings Philosophers (Helm.) (1999) 221 (MED) The predycacion is nat to be allowed that is ouer the powere of the herers, but that is good that the herer is possible to bere it aweye. 1512 Helyas in W. J. Thoms Coll. Early Prose Romances (1828) III. 131 Yf ye be able and possible to reedifie the churches of God. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 359 Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve. View more context for this quotation a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) II. xiv. 273 The only offence against him of which she could accuse herself, had been such as was scarcely possible to reach his knowledge. View more context for this quotation 3. a. Expressing the contingency of a state of affairs, object, etc.: that may be or may come to be; that may be conjectured to be (though not known not to be); that is perhaps true or a fact; that may exist. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] > of possible occurrence contingentc1400 conceivablec1443 possible1582 conceptible1641 inventible1641 entertainable1658 earthly1679 possible1780 contingency1931 1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. lxv. 132 b That you shoulde understand, wherefore and for what cause I remained in the Indias, for that it is possible that all you do not know. 1693 J. Dryden Disc. Orig. & Progr. Satire in Ess. (1900) II. 25 In such an age, it is possible some great genius may arise, to equal any of the ancients. 1736 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. VII. 369 Swept away all actual and possible debts. 1841 M. Elphinstone Hist. India I. App. iii. 443 The Jats, whose possible descent from the Getæ has been discussed in another place. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxii. 157 The thought of the possible loss of my axe at the summit was here forcibly revived. 1906 Westm. Gaz. 31 Oct. 4/2 ‘As to what is scientifically possible or impossible,’ writes Sir Oliver, ‘anything not self-contradictory or inconsistent with other truth is possible.’ 1967 A. Djoleto Strange Man x. 170 Odoi was not pleased with the way Klu wanted to bluff his way out of possible trouble. 1981 P. Lomas Case for Personal Psychotherapy vii. 103 Paranoia describes a state of mind which fails to distinguish between possible and likely harm. b. That will perhaps prove to be or to have been (what is denoted by the following noun); that may perhaps be but is not known to be a ——. Cf. sense A. 1f. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adjective] > of possible occurrence contingentc1400 conceivablec1443 possible1582 conceptible1641 inventible1641 entertainable1658 earthly1679 possible1780 contingency1931 1780 B. Franklin Paris 1018 There are possible Unpleasantnesses in that Situation; it cannot be obtain'd but by a too hazardous Voyage at this time for a Family. 1826 Times 3 June 2/4 Whatever may be the possible result, at present it is certain that no disturbance has taken place. 1882 B. Harte Flip, & Found at Blazing Star 8 Still less would any passing stranger have recognized in this blonde faun the possible outcast and murderer. 1884 Manch. Examiner 10 May 5/6 Assiduous efforts..in whipping up every possible supporter of the Bill. 1914 Times 7 Aug. 3/3 Never before in our history have we entered upon war with so great a naval superiority over all possible enemies. 1988 Woman's Day (N.Y.) Jan. 20/2 Poor posture can..bring on a headache. A dental disorder called TMJ syndrome is another possible culprit. 1993 Times Lit. Suppl. 10 Sept. 20/1 Dr John Dee, complete Renaissance wiz and gull,..scryer, possible spy, glossolalist and dupe. 4. Philosophy. Logically conceivable; having the property, whether or not it actually exists, of not being excluded from existence by being logically contradictory or against reason. Frequently attributive, esp. in possible world. Also in more general use, originally with allusion to Voltaire's Candide (see quot. 1759). ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > [noun] > part of worldc1175 regionc1350 realm1565 possible worlda1674 by-world1709 the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > [adjective] > logically possible possiblea1674 the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > philosophy of optimism > [noun] > Leibniz' philosophy of optimism and its adherents > elements of (principle or law of) sufficient reason1656 possible worlda1674 pre-established harmony1725 a1674 T. Traherne Cent. of Medit. (1927) iii. xxxix. 180 The best of all possible ends is the Glory of God... It is the Glory of God to give all things to us in the best of all possible manners. 1692 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. vi. 28 Now what might always be an exception against all possible Worlds, can never be a just one against any whatsover [sic]. 1738 Bayle's Gen. Dict. Hist. & Crit. (new ed.) VI. 674/1 That cause must also be intelligent; for this world, which actually exists, being contingent, and an infinite number of other worlds being equally possible; the cause of the world must have considered all these possible worlds to pitch upon one. 1759 W. Rider tr. Voltaire Candidus i. 3 Pangloss read Lectures in Metaphisico-theologo-cosmolo-nigology. He demonstrated that there can be no Effect without a Cause, that in this best of possible Worlds, the Baron's Castle was the finest, and my Lady the best of all possible Baronesses. 1878 S. H. Hodgson Philos. of Refl. I. i. 79 There is then, beside our determinate world, a world indeterminate to us, but possible if there should be other modes of consciousness than ours, that is possible to our thought since we imagine its condition, and actual to those other modes, if they are actually existing. 1900 B. Russell Crit. Expos. Philos. Leibniz v. 68 It may be well..to enumerate the principal respects in which all possible worlds agree, and the respects in which other possible worlds might differ from the actual world. 1924 A. Huxley Little Mexican 166 Next to the intimate and trusted friend, the perfect stranger is the best of all possible confidants. 1966 R. F. Anderson Hume's First Princ. i. 3 (heading) Whatever is conceivable is possible. 1982 A. J. Ayer Philos. in Twentieth Cent. vii. 205 One may hope that it is only philosophers who conjure with possible worlds and make heavy weather of necessity. †5. Mathematics. = real adj.² 5. Opposed to impossible adj. 2. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [adjective] > prime > real real1668 possible1720 1720 J. Raphson & S. Cunn tr. I. Newton Universal Arithmetick 224 If the four Roots of the Biquadratick Æquation are possible [L. possibiles], the three Roots of the Cubick Æquation..will be possible [L. possibiles] also. 1798 J. Wood Elem. Algebra (ed. 2) 190 If the last term of an equation of any even number of dimensions be negative, it will have at least two possible roots, one positive and the other negative. 1874 I. Todhunter Trigonom. (1882) xix. §271. 216 If n be even, the last term..is possible, namely (−1)^ⁿ/ _² sinⁿθ, and the last term but one is impossible, namely n(−1)^{^n-1}/ _² cos θ sinⁿ⁻¹θ. 6. Able to be dealt with, understood, taken into consideration, etc.; suitable, tolerable; reasonable, worth considering. Opposed to impossible adj. 3. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > [adjective] understandinga1382 sensiblea1393 knowablea1425 perceivablec1443 takablec1449 understandablec1475 intendible1489 intentiblea1492 intelligible1509 facile1531 level1559 discernable1561 receptible1574 intendable?1577 excogitable1592 penetrable1594 comprehensible1598 scrutablec1604 distinguishable1611 discernible1616 perviousa1631 fathomable1633 cognoscible1648 colligible1650 determinable1658 intelligent1676 cognizable1681 apprehensive1692 susceptible1694 tangible1709 apprehensible1715 pronounced1728 comprehendible1814 graspable1818 prehensiblea1832 prononcé1838 possible1864 receivable1865 unsmothered1891 readable1908 discriminable1946 the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > feasible > capable of being dealt with treatable1570 feasible1611 copable1667 dealable1667 possible1864 1864 M. Arnold Joubert in National Rev. Jan. 177 He [sc. Joubert] was more possible than Coleridge; his doctrine was more intelligible than Coleridge's, more receivable. 1910 E. M. Forster Howards End xxxi. 258 The only possible place for a house in Shropshire is on a hill; but, for my part, I think the country is too far from London, and the scenery nothing special. 1929 A. Huxley Let. 26 Aug. (1969) 317 One is at 3500 feet in a rather primitive but quite possible little hotel. 1934 H. G. Wells Exper. in Autobiogr. I. vi. 313 I went the round of the scholastic agents,..and I answered many impossible and some possible advertisements. 1968 A. Munro in R. Weaver Canad. Short Stories (1968) 2nd Ser. 300 Leaving Miss Marsalles and her no longer possible parties behind, quite certainly forever. 1973 H. Brodkey in Amer. Rev. Feb. 3 I was aware that each of her downfalls made her more possible for me. †B. adv. = possibly adv. and n. Frequently used as an intensifier of can or could. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adverb] welleOE possiblyc1400 possiblea1425 contingentlyc1430 potentiallyc1450 perhapsa1535 as and when1565 conceivably1625 if you like1813 a1425 (?c1375) N. Homily Legendary (Harl.) in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 139 (MED) Grete bataill was to com, and possibill men to be slane. a1500 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Sloane) f. 65^v Possibull [v.rr. possible, possybyl, possibil; c1400 Brussels alle the conclusions that..possibly myghten be fownden in..an astrelabie, ben vnknowe parfitly to eny mortal man in this region]. 1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 30^v Crito had afore dooen all that euer he might possible dooe. 1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. v. 25 He furnished a fresh Nauy of Ships, with all the hast he could possible. 1678 I. Walton Life of Sanderson 53 I wonder how a person could possible be deceived with it. a1704 T. Brown Dialogue Oxf. Schollars in Wks. (1707) I. iii. 9 I shall certainly have..as many mischievous Tricks plaid me as they can possible. 1799 J. West Tale of Times II. 223 She became as cold..in her answers as the rules of civility could possible admit. 1862 W. Collins No Name ii. 304 I am a Rogue; and, in that capacity (as I have already pointed out), the most useful man you could possible have met with. C. n. 1. a. Usually with the. Whatever is possible; that which can exist, happen, or be done. the art of the possible [with allusion to German Die Politik ist die Lehre vom Möglichen (attributed to Otto von Bismarck, 1867)] : politics. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > [noun] > feasibility > art of the art of the possible1646 the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [noun] > that which is possible possible1646 the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [noun] > that which is possible > art of the art of the possible1646 1646 H. Lawrence Of Communion & Warre with Angels 75 If wee speake of the possible, of what may be. 1761 tr. C. Batteux Course Belles Lettres II. i. 226 What might have been, is the possible, as to the circumstances of time, place, and persons. 1844 E. B. Barrett Poems II. 134 God's possible is taught by His world's loving, And the children doubt of each. 1879 ‘G. Eliot’ Theophrastus Such vii. 139 The Possible is always the ultimate master of our efforts and desires. 1969 D. C. Hague Managerial Econ. i. 12 Management, like politics, is the art of the possible. 1979 Guardian 31 Oct. 4/4 Britain's strong suit is jurisprudence. France's is the art of the possible. 1987 J. Uglow George Eliot viii. 131 Tom is rarely worried by the discrepancy between the possible and the real: for him, what he sees, exists. b. to do one's possible [after French faire son possible (c1510 in Middle French)] : to do what is possible for one to do, to do one's utmost. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > effort or exertion > exert oneself or make an effort [verb (intransitive)] > do one's utmost to do (also lay) one's mightc1175 to do, make one's wisec1290 to do (also make) one's powerc1390 to hold (also keep) foot withc1438 to do one's force?c1450 to do or die1487 to do one's endeavour(sc1500 to do the best of one's power1523 to do (also try) one's best1585 to do one's possible1792 to pull out all the stops1927 to bust (also break) one's balls1968 1792 H. More Lett. (1925) 175 I thought to have sent a line to Mr. T. but I have done my possible in writing for to-day. 1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl VII. iv. 176 He did his possible, but old Turgid was neither to be led nor driven. 1808 in R. Southey Life A. Bell (1844) II. 483 I had done my possible (in French phrase) to gratify you. 1838 S. Smith in Lady Holland Mem. (1855) II. 408 I would however have done my possible. 1847 Times 3 Aug. 6/4 The Resident cannot, apparently, help the Minister, he has already done his possible in marching troops. 1922 E. E. Cummings Let. 26 Feb. (1969) 83 Dos's first words to me were a grim assurance that..his possible would be done to save The Chambre énorme from any similar fate. 2. a. Chiefly Philosophy. A possible thing or circumstance; something that may exist or happen. Cf. possibility n. 3a. Usually in plural. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [noun] > a possible thing or circumstance possibilityc1460 perhapsa1535 potential1587 potentiality1587 maybe1598 contingencya1626 contingent1655 conceivable1659 possiblea1674 conceptiblea1676 cogitable1678 chance1778 it's an idea1841 may1849 might1850 thought1857 possibly1881 shot1923 a1674 T. Traherne Christian Ethicks (1675) 173 Inferior Possibles are more remote, and only thought on in the second place. 1754 J. Edwards Careful Enq. Freedom of Will ii. iii. 46 Any Thing else of all the infinite Number of Possibles. 1876 A. D. Whitney Sights & Insights II. xiv. 448 I know..who is a higher, and fresher, and sweeter possible of me. 1903 B. Russell Mind 12 184 Already in December 1676 Leibniz held that not all possibles exist. 1933 Philos. Rev. 42 417 There is no fiction too grotesque and no conception too extravagant to find a place in the all-embracing realm of possibles. 1974 Jrnl. Philos. 71 587 Ontology tends to be a function of epistemology (as in arguments for sensa and against theoretical entities), semantics (as in arguments for unactualized possibles to account for the meaningfulness of various sentences), and so on. b. colloquial. A possible score in a shooting competition; esp. the highest possible score or number of points. Also in extended use. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > competitive shooting > [noun] > score in match > perfect score possible1866 straight1903 1866 York Herald 6 Aug. 5/4 Two highest possibles were recorded, the 1st Glo'ster taking first prize on account of time; the second going to 1st Hants. 1896 Westm. Gaz. 14 July 9/1 Putting on a possible at 800 yards. 1917 J. A. Moss What's Sammy Doing 62 You'll make a marksman's score, my boy, or bigger, A ‘possible’—at least so we're told. 1942 F. R. Meyer Fighting Talk at Possible Perfect rifle score. 1960 Archery (‘Know the Game Ser.’) 29/2 Nobody has yet shot a ‘possible’ in any recognised tournament or even in practice in a standard ‘round’. 1986 Handgunner Aug. 15/2 It was the first English 20 yd. possible, and..was good shooting by anyone's standards, and is still displayed in the old Ham & Pete clubhouse. 1987 Sc. Curler Sept. 26 With last stone, Mickey accurately struck the opposition fourth shot and lay to score the ‘possible’. c. A person who or thing which possibly may have done, may do, or may attain something (specified or implied); a person who or thing which might be chosen from among several alternatives, as a possible candidate, member of a team, sexual partner, etc. Cf. possibility n. 3b. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [noun] > a possible thing or circumstance > person possible1915 1915 J. Buchan Thirty-nine Steps vii. 180 You're in no danger from the law of this land... They have dropped you from the list of possibles. 1923 Daily Mail 3 Mar. 13 C. L. Spackman..and H. J. Still as reserve backs are possibles. 1948 ‘J. Tey’ Franchise Affair xi. 117 He hadn't even thought of her when he sat down... She just wouldn't occur to any man as a possible. 1959 Times Lit. Suppl. 6 Nov. p. xx/4 Most of the presidential possibles in this year are college graduates. 1973 D. Westheimer Going Public ix. 136 Some files they rejected..others they read through. A considerable stack of possibles began to mount. 1992 S. Albrecht Contact & Cover i. iv. 35 Some Cover Officers will say ‘Two possibles at ten o'clock’, meaning that two potentially hostile subjects are approaching from the Contact Officer's left. 3. In plural. slang (North American in later use). Necessaries, means, belongings, supplies; esp. the portable property of a mountaineer, trapper, pioneer, etc., in western North America.Also (in singular) in possible-sack. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > instrumentality > [noun] > (a) means > resources facultya1382 myance?a1513 moyen1547 facility1555 means1560 resource1611 foisona1616 wherewith1674 asset1677 stock-in-tradea1806 wherewithal1809 possibles1823 bag of tricks1841 potential1941 1823 ‘J. Bee’ Slang 96 High-tide, plenty of the possibles; whilst ‘low-water’ implies empty clies. 1824 Hist. Gaming Houses 61 Dick was sadly put to his trumps to raise the possibles. 1846 W. D. Stewart & J. W. Webb Altowan I. iv. 142 Having, by dint of much search in his possible-sack, found a piece of tobacco. 1851 M. Reid Scalp Hunters II. ii. 23 The hunters departed, each to look after his ‘traps and possibles’. 1886 Outing Dec. 198/2 Dick had a big tepé,..not ter speak uv a considerable lot of possibles ter make things comfortable. 1952 E. Haycox Earthbreakers xxxxvi. 325 All he carried was gun, powder flask and possible sack. 1994 C. McCarthy Crossing 254 He rummaged through his possibles and came up with a small black leather notebook. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < adj.adv.n.c1384
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