possible1 adjectivepossible2 noun
possiblepos‧si‧ble1 /ˈpɒsəbəl $ ˈpɑː-/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective 
WORD ORIGINpossible1
Origin:
1300-1400 French, Latin possibilis, from posse ‘to be able’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Accidents are always possible in heavy industries like mining.
- Detectives can now check every criminal's records, which wouldn't be possible without computers.
- Here's a list of possible topics for your next essay.
- I want to get back by 5 o'clock if possible.
- Is it possible to find a room in a good hotel for less than $100?
- It is possible for more than one person to win the competition.
- It is possible that the children are still alive.
- Please let me know your answer as soon as possible.
- Sudden snowstorms are always possible this time of year.
- technological changes and their possible effects on our lives
- The doctors did everything possible to save her life.
- The only possible way a woman could rise in class was to marry into a family of higher social standing than her own.
- Travel to other planets may soon be possible.
- We must get her to the hospital as quickly as possible.
- We will deal with all complaints as soon as is humanly possible.
- You can't be a Muslim and a Catholic at the same time - it's just not possible.
- Echoes of the signal alert them to possible prey, at ranges up to 80-90 metres in shallow waters.
- I planned on saying as little as possible.
- It is seldom possible to give a general overall clearance of a product for all export markets.
- It is therefore easier to prevent development on the basis of the precautionary principle, rather than look for possible solutions.
- They're as unique as it is possible to be without splitting at the seams.
- What makes it possible for the speaker to communicate this to the hearer?
THESAURUS
if something is possible, it can be done or achieved: · I think it’s possible that we could win the race.· I want to get back by 5 o'clock if possible.· Please let me know your answer as soon as possible.
if an idea or plan is feasible, it is possible and you can find a practical way of doing it: · We need to find out first if the idea is technically feasible.· It is not feasible to have security cameras in every part of the building.· Da Silva considered it feasible that uranium could be produced on an industrial scale.
possible and likely to be successful, and therefore worth doing: · Nuclear energy is the only viable alternative to coal or gas.· The product needs to be commercially viable.· We have yet to find a viable solution to the problem.· The company was no longer financially viable (=it could not make enough money to be able to continue).
a workable plan, system, or solution is one that can be done or used: · By early morning, they had arrived at a workable and safe solution.· The company would have a tough job convincing people that the deal was workable.
informal if something is doable, you have enough money, energy, or skill to do it: · This exercise programme is doable for most people.· Do you think the walk is doable?· Hosting great parties is fun, easy, and doable on any budget.· The book is full of interesting and doable recipes.
(also attainable formal) able to be achieved: · A 15% cut in carbon emissions is achievable.· Perfect democracy is not attainable, nor is perfect freedom or perfect justice.
if something is realistic, it seems sensible to think that it can be done or achieved: · a realistic target· Their expectations didn’t seem very realistic.· It is important to set yourself realistic goals.
Longman Language Activatorwhen something can be done something that is possible , can be done: · Travel to other planets may soon be possible.· Detectives can now check every criminal's records, which wouldn't be possible without computers.· The only possible way a woman could rise in class was to marry into a family of higher social standing than her own.it is possible to do something: · Is it possible to find a room in a good hotel for less than $100?if possible: · I want to get back by 5 o'clock if possible.as soon/quickly/big etc as possible: · Please let me know your answer as soon as possible.· We must get her to the hospital as quickly as possible.humanly possible (=use this to emphasize that you will do something as fast, as well etc as possible): · We will deal with all complaints as soon as is humanly possible.do/try everything possible: · The doctors did everything possible to save her life.
if something can be done , it is possible to do it: · The job can be done by Friday if we all make an effort.· I'm sure that more could be done to help the homeless.· Val got her MA while she was working full-time, so it can be done.
one of the things that you could try to do: · One possibility is to offer him more money.· Computers have opened up many exciting possibilities.the possibility of doing something: · We are considering the possibility of providing a new class for advanced students.
a plan, idea, or method that is feasible is possible and is likely to work: · Barrington suggest transporting the supplies by air. This of course is perfectly feasible.· We agreed on a feasible plan and within a week we implemented it.it is feasible to do something: · It is not feasible to have security cameras in every part of the building.it is feasible that: · Da Silva considered it feasible that uranium could be produced on an industrial scale.
a workable way of doing something is a possible way of doing it - use this when you have had a lot of problems finding a suitable way: · There is a dispute over land but we believe we have found a workable solution to this problem.· A new plan provides for loans to students, but to make the system workable more government funding will be needed.
informal a job that is doable is one that can be done: · You did well to even start the project -- at first we didn't think it was doable at all.
an aim or standard that is attainable is one that can be achieved and it is reasonable to try to achieve it: · Perfect democracy is not attainable, nor is perfect freedom or perfect justice.· Every child should be educated to the highest attainable level.
a viable way of doing something is one that is possible and should work well: · Do you think this is a viable proposition?· Nuclear energy is the only viable alternative to coal or gas.· They are in favour of the program, but they want strong assurances that it is viable.
when something could happen if something is possible , there is a chance that it may happen or it may be true: · Accidents are always possible in heavy industries like mining.· You can't be a Muslim and a Catholic at the same time - it's just not possible.· technological changes and their possible effects on our livesit is possible for somebody to do something: · It is possible for more than one person to win the competition.it is possible that: · It is possible that the children are still alive.
something that can happen or may happen: possibility of: · We could not ignore the possibility of an enemy attack.there is a possibility that: · Unless there is some change in the economy, there is a possibility that the plant may close.a real/distinct/strong possibility (=something that is quite likely to happen): · A Republican victory in next month's elections now seems to be a real possibility.· There's a distinct possibility that there will be another earthquake.a faint/slight possibility: · There is still a faint possibility that Sarah will be found safe and well.
if something can happen, it is possible for it to happen at some time: · Mistakes can occur, even in the most carefully controlled situations.· A lot can happen in two years.· It can be warm in England, even in March.
a potential problem, advantage, effect etc is not a problem, advantage etc now, but it may become one in the future: · For the first time she realized the potential danger of her situation.· It is important for manufacturers to identify potential problems at the design stage.potential customer/buyer/student etc (=someone who may become a customer, buyer etc in the future): · a way of making the college more attractive to potential students
use this to say that it is possible that something will happen: there is a chance/possibility of: · On the northern hills there is always the possibility of a snow shower, even in June.there is a chance/possibility that: · Is there any chance that he will recover from his injury in time for the race?
say this to show that you think there is some possibility that something might happen, even though it seems unlikely: · I'd love to be a doctor, but you have to be very clever for that. Still, you never know.
to make something possible · We are grateful to everyone who made this event possible.make it possible for somebody to do something · Satellite broadcasting made it possible for people all over the world to watch the 1960 Olympic Games.
especially written to make it possible for someone to do something that they want to do: allow/enable somebody to do something: · The Internet allows people to send messages all over the world.· The sports school has enabled 10,000 youngsters to receive free tuition in a wide range of sports.
formal to make it possible for something to happen or for someone to do something: · I would like to go into this argument in some detail, but time does not permit it.permit somebody to do something: · Unit pricing is a system that permits the customer to compare the costs of products.weather/ time etc permitting (=if the weather, time etc makes it possible): · In summer, meals are eaten in the garden, weather permitting.
to make it possible for something to happen by producing the right conditions for it: · Galileo's achievements in physical science paved the way for Newton's discoveries.· In 1930's Germany, the depression helped Hitler rise to power, paving the way for the Second World War.
to make it possible for something to happen by removing difficulties that existed before: · The removal of trade restrictions cleared the way for a rapid development of East-West relations.· a vote that cleared the way for the ordination of women priests
when a situation makes it possible for you to do something · I'll call you if I can, but I'm going to be pretty busy.can do something · Can you come to my place tomorrow and help me move some furniture?· I don't have an appointment, but I wonder if the dentist could see me today.· I hope we can find a parking space.· You can probably get most of the information you need from the Internet.
· She was able to get her watch repaired the same day.· Because of the drop in stock prices, investors were able to find some bargains this week.
spoken use this especially when you are making an arrangement with someone in order to ask or say what someone will be able to do: · Would it be possible for you to come to a meeting on Tuesday?· It might be possible to use the school library on Saturdays.
to be able to do something that you have wanted to do for a long time, or something that you are not usually allowed to do: · We actually got to meet the president when he was here last week.· Do I get to stay up late when Dad comes home from his business trip?
to make someone able to do something · The money from my grandmother enabled us to buy the house.· The programme is designed to enable young people to find work.
to provide the conditions in which someone is able to do something: make it possible to do something: · The direct flight makes it possible to get from London to Tokyo in 12 hours.make it possible for somebody to do something: · The loan made it possible for him to continue his education.make something possible: · I'd like to thank everyone - my family, my friends - who helped to make the whole thing possible.
if a piece of equipment or a service allows you to do something or lets you do it, it provides what you need to be able to do it: · The web site allows you to order groceries over the Internet.· The telephone service lets users see who is calling before they pick up the phone.
if education or training equips you to do something, especially something such as a particular kind of job, it prepares you and makes you able to do it: equip somebody to do something: · The school aims to equip students to deal with the kind of problems they will face in the outside world.equip somebody for: · Her privileged upbringing had not equipped her for hard work in the fields.
when a situation makes it impossible for you to do something · Look, I know I said I'd come, but I can't.can't/cannot do something · I can't go out to lunch today, I have too much work to do.· The doctor cannot see you without a prior appointment.
- use this especially in the past or future tense: · She has a meeting with her boss tomorrow, so she won't be able to come.· With everything that's been happening at the office lately, I haven't been able to spend much time at home.
use this especially when you want to be polite about the fact that someone cannot do something: · I'm sorry, but Mrs Jones is unable to see you now. Please come back at 6 o'clock.· The Pope was unable to attend, due to illness.
used especially when you want to give an excuse or reason for not doing something: · I have a full schedule all next week, so I'm afraid it won't be possible for me to see you then.· We had so many other orders that it wasn't possible to deliver yours any earlier.
when something cannot happen, exist, or be true use this to say that you are sure that something cannot happen, exist, or be true: · "Did you know that I can hold my breath for three minutes?" "Impossible!"· "The police suspect John.'' "But that's impossible. He was with us the whole day.''it is impossible (that): · It was impossible that anyone could have survived the crash.
impossible use this especially when you are very surprised about something: · "Abigail won't give us the money," said Jim. "But that's not possible," replied Ben, "she told me only this morning that she would.''it is not possible that: · It's not possible that Kate was at the party too. I would have seen her.
use this to say that it is not possible for something to have happened or for someone to have done something: · They can't have gone out because all the windows are open.· What you're saying can't possibly be true. I don't believe it.· New evidence proved that the accused couldn't have been at the scene of the crime.
spoken say this when you strongly believe that something is impossible: there's no way (that): · There's no way we can possibly get the bed up those stairs.· If the computer system is working properly, there's no way that it could make a mistake.
impossible or very difficult to imagine: · When I was a boy, having a bath every day was an inconceivable luxury.· The slaughter thousands of innocent US citizens would have been inconceivable until recently.it is inconceivable that: · Many people thought it was inconceivable that the crash could have been an accident.
if something is unthinkable , it seems impossible because it is so shocking, nasty, difficult etc: · The amount of sex on television that we see today would have been unthinkable in previous decades.it is unthinkable that: · It is unthinkable that anyone would dare to enter the Control Area without permission.unthinkable for somebody to do something: · In those days it was unthinkable for a lady to work outside the home.
if something is not possible by any or by no stretch of the imagination, you cannot even imagine it being possible: · The new software program is not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination.· By no stretch of the imagination could Carl ever be called good-looking.
when something cannot be done something that is impossible cannot be done: · We're supposed to do all this work by tomorrow, but it's impossible.· It's a seemingly impossible task.it is impossible (for somebody/something) to do something: · The twins are so alike that it's impossible to tell them apart.· The street was narrow and it was impossible for the two buses to pass.make it impossible: · Her back injury has made it impossible for her to play tennis anymore.find it impossible (=discover that you cannot do something): · When people leave prison, they often find it impossible to get a job.
impossible or extremely difficult to do: · We can't buy a new computer for every student - it's just not possible.it is not possible (for somebody/something) to do something: · It is not possible, in a book of this size, to cover every aspect of the subject.· She's in a meeting, so I'm afraid it's not possible for you to see her now.
especially spoken say this when you strongly believe that something is impossible: there's no way (that): · There's no way we can get to the airport in less than an hour.there's no way of knowing something: · There's no way of knowing when the volcano will erupt again.
an idea, suggestion, or action that is impractical is not really possible because it would cost far too much money, waste too much time, be much too difficult etc: · Officials stated that building a dam for irrigation purposes was hopelessly impractical.· Telling people to avoid any exposure to the sun is impractical advice.it is impractical to do something: · It would be impractical to attempt to review all the types of multimedia technology in this study.
if an idea or suggestion is out of the question , it is completely impossible or it cannot be allowed: · I'd love to come with you, but with all the work I have to do it's out of the question.· The cost would be over $5000, which is quite out of the question.it's out of the question for somebody (to do something): · I'm afraid it's out of the question for you to go alone.
especially spoken use this in order to emphasize that you think something is impossible: · You know we can't possibly pay as much as that in rent.· That was delicious but I couldn't possibly eat another thing!
if something that you try to do is hopeless , there is no possibility of it being successful: · Police now face the hopeless task of trying to find the bombers.it is hopeless: · "Please let me go to the party'' Ali begged her mother, but she knew it was hopeless.it is hopeless to do something: · It's hopeless to try to persuade him while he's in this mood. Let's talk to him tomorrow.a hopeless cause (=something that cannot possibly succeed): · "I do not believe that working to block the movement of cocaine into the US is a hopeless cause," McCaffrey told the panel.
informal to not have any chance of doing what you want, for example because it is much too difficult, someone else will do it first etc: · Everyone in the town votes Republican. The Democrats don't stand a chance.· There's no point in me applying for the job. I wouldn't have a hope.not stand a chance of doing something: · "The driver of the train didn't stand a chance of stopping in time," a Railtrack spokesman said.not have a hope/have no hope of doing something: · The bank said that it will no longer lend to enterprises that have no hope of making a profit.
something that is impossible to do: · At first they thought that building a bridge across to the island was an impossibility.· The equal division of all roles is a practical impossibility for many parents.· I was suddenly struck by the impossibility of achieving our aims.
material for making clothes, curtains etc use this when you think that something may happen or may be true, but you are not sure. Perhaps is more formal than maybe .: · "Will you be there tomorrow?" "I don't know, maybe."· I wonder why she's late - maybe she missed the train.· The footprints belonged to a large cat, a tiger, perhaps.· I'm not sure why I couldn't sleep. Perhaps it was the coffee.maybe not/perhaps not: · "It's not her fault that she can't get a job." "Well, maybe not, but she should make a little more effort."· Housing prices will continue to rise, though perhaps not as much as was predicted last year.
use this with other verbs, to show that something is possible, or likely, but you are not sure about it. May and might are more formal than could: · Take your umbrella -- it might rain.· Hundreds of workers may lose their jobs if the strike continues.· We could be home before midnight if the traffic isn't too bad.may/might/could have done something: · "Bruce isn't here yet." "He may have decided not to come."· It's a good thing we got her to the hospital right away -- the doctor said she could have died if we'd waited.
use this when you think that something may happen or may be done, but that it is not very likely: · I might have to work on Saturday, so it's possible I won't be able to come to your party.· There's a chance that I'll be in California in October, so I might be able to visit you for a few days.it is just possible (that)/there is just a chance (that) (=when something is possible, but very unlikely): · Tomorrow should be sunny but there's just a chance of showers in the afternoon.· It's just possible we'll finish the job by tonight, but it'll probably be tomorrow.outside chance/possibility: · Martinez will need surgery, but there's an outside chance he'll be playing again before the end of the season.slim chance/possibility: · Sims has some numbness and weakness in her legs, and surgeons say there is a slim possibility of paralysis.
use this when you think that something may be true, but you do not have enough information to be sure: · "Do you think she was murdered, inspector?" "Possibly."· He's playing in the US Open Golf Championships - possibly for the last time.· Stone is possibly America's finest film director.· The cancer was possibly caused by exposure to asbestos.· Trade between the two countries began in the 11th century, possibly even earlier.· Many analysts believe interest rates will rise, possibly as early as next spring.quite possibly (=very possibly): · The examination hall was vast, with at least 700 or 800 students and quite possibly as many as 1000.
if you think something may conceivably happen or be true, it seems unlikely but you can imagine that it is possible: · Reservations are advised but you might conceivably find a hotel the day you arrive.· It is still unlikely, but unemployment could conceivably begin to fall by the end of the year.
spoken say this when you are not sure whether something will happen, because no one knows what will happen in the future: · I don't think I'll ever get married, but you never know.· Why don't you ask for a raise? You never know, they could say yes.
spoken say this when you have no way of knowing whether something is true or not true: · "Will you still be working here next year?" "Who knows? Maybe I will, maybe I won't."· Maybe he wasn't telling the truth. Who knows?
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYphrases
Please let me know your decision as soon as possible (=as soon as you can). It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer. We’ve kept the original features of the house as far as possible (=as much as possible). I want to get back by five o’clock if possible. My lawyer advised me to say as little as possible. Try to keep going for as long as possible. The fruit should be left on the tree as long as possible. The use of computers has made it possible for more people to work from home. He told me, in the nicest possible way, that I was interfering too much. Try and get the car fixed as soon as possible. a policy of using recycled paper whenever possible I feel I ought to be nice to them wherever possible (=at all times when it is possible). What is the worst possible thing that can happen?COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· From the hilltop it was possible to see the sea.
· Medical advances have made it possible to keep more patients alive.
(also if at all possible)· If possible, take light exercise first thing in the morning.
· Choose wholemeal varieties of flour and pasta, where possible.
· We must do everything possible to limit our impact on the Earth's environment.
· The company helped promote the scheme in every way possible.
adverbs (=definitely possible)· Combining a family with a career is perfectly possible .
(=possible in theory, but difficult and unlikely)· It is theoretically possible for all students to get full marks.
(=possible with the technology available)· Amendments to software may be technically possible, but are inadvisable.
(=possible for anyone)· It is not humanly possible to work for more than fifteen hours a day.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· I’m busy tomorrow but Wednesday is a possible alternative.
Please let me know your decision as soon as possible (=as soon as you can).· We sold the house at the best possible time.
(=someone who you might give a job or position to)· There were two women who were possible candidates.
It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer.· What are the likely consequences of these changes?
· Can anyone think of a possible explanation for why this is happening?
We’ve kept the original features of the house as far as possible (=as much as possible). I want to get back by five o’clock if possible.· We discussed the possible implications of oil price rises.
My lawyer advised me to say as little as possible. Try to keep going for as long as possible. The fruit should be left on the tree as long as possible. The use of computers has made it possible for more people to work from home.· The police are still thinking about possible motives for the murders.
He told me, in the nicest possible way, that I was interfering too much. (=whenever possible)· She went to the museum at every opportunity.
· When you throw a die, there are six possible outcomes.
· Defence planners are paid to consider every possible scenario.
· There are three possible solutions to this problem.
Try and get the car fixed as soon as possible.· He had been tipped as a possible successor to the president.
· The police drew up a list of possible suspects.
a policy of using recycled paper whenever possible I feel I ought to be nice to them wherever possible (=at all times when it is possible). What is the worst possible thing that can happen?· It is also possible to dilute some Araldite resins with toluene for pre-casting soak.· However, it is also possible to consider situations in which the modifiability of a compartment is due to completely intrinsic factors.· The alternative - that these lower levels are partly responsible for the development of oesophagitis - is also possible.· Other answers are, of course, also possible. 4.· Therapeutic input makes heavy use of group work, though individual therapy is also possible.· Yet it is also possible to see the form as a stylized if rather primitive representation of the female deity.· It is also possible to continue as a graduate without eh thought occurring.· The catalysed conversion of methanol to ethanol by reaction with syn-gas, is also possible but not yet commercial.
· Such comparisons are always possible, and ought to be made, if the worse an to improve.· Nor was it always possible for geophysicists to see the motions of the surface so clearly.· But with central heating, it is now not always possible to provide an ideal plunging environment within the home.· It was always possible to undo things, I thought, but it was not always possible to do them.· It is always possible to blame deficiencies on central government.· In the Dubrovlag, he had said, pity for others is always possible, but self-pity is never possible.· Underdrawing analysis is, however, not always conclusive, nor indeed always possible.· It is not always possible to answer post by return, or to return telephone calls within the next few minutes.
· In 1967 the Brooklands Society was formed to preserve as much of the area as possible.· She then instructed her subjects to duplicate these postures as precisely as possible.· An immediate potential problem presents as possible ethical infringement upon the doctor-patient relationship.· We must enact as soon as possible the National Human Welfare Act in order to regulate the use of humans in research.· I prepared a diet as free from fat as possible yet incorporating protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals.· Thaw frozen meat in its wrappings in the refrigerator and cook it as soon as possible after thawing.· Family conferences are best conducted in as natural a manner as possible.· The axial plane is a surface that divides a fold as symmetrically as possible.
· It's quite possible you won't even realise this, so long as you each mirror the same changes.· It is quite possible that co-operation between various macrophage subsets takes place in Peyer's patches.· However, even in monolinguals, dramatic changes of persona are quite possible.· For one thing, it is quite possible that people may feel free and independent even when they are actually being manipulated.· It is of course quite possible to develop an integrated system based on a single hardware base.· It seemed to him quite possible that Dysart should exploit his official position to save an old friend from bankruptcy.· It is quite possible that some selection factors may point towards your retention while others will, in comparison, favour colleagues.
· Proposed change is whenever possible shown to arise from identified deficiencies.· Therefore, we recommend having the butcher debone them whenever possible.· To ensure that the breeding of such fish is continued we will try to obtain new specimens whenever possible.· She avoided saying them whenever possible.· Pupils will also become aware of the need to check one source against another whenever possible.· Older birds are often very tough and have an unpleasant aroma; they should be avoided whenever possible.· For a balanced look, always put the tallest stalk towards the outside of the garment, whenever possible.· Viewers also are encouraged to interview relatives whenever possible.
· As well as the more obvious things like reducing energy costs and recycling where possible, the community is benefiting from the programme.· Provision of the real object where possible is usually eagerly explored.· He is the man who wants to take part, who wants to do everything the woman does where possible.· The children live at the Institute during the week, going home at the weekend where possible.· It had to be easy and cheap to build, maintain and operate in addition to using local materials where possible.· Incidentally, it is a good idea to take photographs where possible as sites are still disappearing at a rapid rate.· First, where possible, run!· Make sure you let the notes ring into each other where possible, to get the full harmonic effect.
· It may also be advisable to check the broker's performance record on discretionary service wherever possible.· Nearly every government contractor befriends and hires Pentagon employees and bends the rules wherever possible.· Also - wherever possible keep valuable livestock, feedstuffs or other bulk materials as close to the farmyard as you can.· Perhaps we should be asking our local authorities to install wheelchair access gates in place of ordinary kissing gates wherever possible.· Certainly the new actor should never remain idle but create chances wherever possible.· Participants agreed to share information and resources, review regional training programmes, and cooperate wherever possible.· I am all in favour of an easy life for horse and rider wherever possible.· This process should be wherever possible part of a systematic analysis of diagnostic system requirements.
NOUN· Cause of the problem Apart from a damp-proof course problem, what other possible causes are there for structural damp?· I was told a possible cause was water impurities.· What then are the possible causes of conflict within organisations?· Scientists have begun to investigate and to identify some of the possible causes, which may differ from species to species.· The physician must establish a sympathetic rapport with the patient to help elucidate possible causes and contributing factors.· Could you please suggest a possible cause and remedy for the above.· Instead, I explain his so-called options and the possible causes for the aggravation of his breathing.· Recent theoretical work has clarified two possible causes of ageing.
· Three possible explanations can be advanced.· Alistair arrived at that minute, ending any possible explanation.· The reader can decide which of the possible explanations is the most plausible.· There can only be one possible explanation.· One possible explanation lies in the division of labour between women and men.· The committee revises the list of possible explanations to produce a list of designated performance deficiencies.· To some it might seem a possible explanation.· One possible explanation is that the beacons have a history of malfunctioning during bad weather.
· There are several possible ways of administering tests which might be derived from the Cockcroft Committee's recommendations.· There are various possible ways in which this could be done, and I chose one that I call the triangle trick.· There are two possible ways forward.· Needless to say, there are many possible ways of turning this rule into practice.· If we want something, then we go for it in the best possible way we know.· Now you've crossed Westminster bridge and achieved your goal, we outline the best possible way to recover.· That is not a possible way to combat boredom.· Your competitors may not be doing things in the best possible way.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- A condition to be rectified as quickly as possible if she didn't want to be labelled a freak, or worse.
- Archibol was committed to relieving himself of the distraction of Isaac as quickly as possible.
- Experts do recommend that parents also put their babies in other positions as much as possible while awake.
- Preston avoided travelling by tube as much as possible, but sometimes it was forced upon him.
- Smokers, stop as quickly as possible and do not smoke in the presence of others.
- The food is freshly cooked using produce from the kitchen garden and local produce as much as possible.
- The Super Bowl was an outgrowth of the desire to take advantage of the merger as quickly as possible.
- Any successful entrepreneurial venture starts with making sure that the entrepreneur is in the best possible mental and physical health.
- But the psychologist was never confident that he had obtained the best possible scores from Nelson.
- For a moment, I imagined the best possible to the worst possible reply.
- Obviously, the purpose is to ensure that the best possible pensions arrangements are reached.
- That way it will have the best possible start in life.
- The additional value farmers receive is the best possible free advice on both inputs and marketing.
- The horrifying news sent the Ciprianos on a nationwide search to find the best possible treatment for their daughter.
- This at once enhances the contribution which the court or parents can make towards reaching the best possible decision in all the circumstances.
- Would it be possible to get together at 6:30 instead of 5?
- Firefighters did everything humanly possible to save lives.
- The report was as fair as is humanly possible.
- Acquaint yourselves with it as soon as is humanly possible.
- Although speechreaders learn the necessity for keen attention and mental focus, it is not humanly possible to focus attention all day.
- He should be punished for as long as it is humanly possible to punish him.
- If so, will he ensure that a police officer accompanies every military patrol whenever humanly possible?
- Our Government is fashioned to fulfill this concept so far as humanly possible.
- The task at hand was to devise an immediate gathering of the vestry and to make it as splendid as humanly possible.
- They demanded attention which it was not humanly possible to give.
- What she must do was concentrate on getting her memory back so that she could get home to them as soon as humanly possible.
- Also, it isn't physically possible to sit and listen to a rap album all the way through.
- But he realized that this was physically impossible.
- By the power of his imagination he was trying to do something that was physically impossible.
- His hypothesis, while unlikely, is neither logically nor physically impossible.
- The illogical, unlikely and physically impossible are treated as natural phenomena.
- They were just physically impossible to move in and out of the studios.
- Life-ways are opened up which are not remotely possible, even in analogous terms, to any other species.
- Although it is already technically possible for network administrators to monitor Internet traffic, such tracking has been difficult to do.
- Berni came into this world on May 12 at 9: 07 a. m. It was a technically difficult delivery.
- FLEXthe name of both the machine and its language-was not technically feasible at the time.
- One expert achieved unwanted fame by stating, categorically, that it was no longer technically possible to build modern aircraft out of wood.
- Subsequent additions and amendments to software may be technically possible, but inadvisable because of subsequent upgrade issues.
- The members thought that it was technically feasible and, under the right conditions, could benefit the region.
- There is nothing technically difficult about this; if the computer can look one play ahead it can look 20.
- There was no question that a tunnel was technically feasible, but 1 wanted to know what the economics would be.
WORD FAMILYnounpossibility ≠ impossibilitythe impossiblepossibleadjectivepossible ≠ impossibleadverbpossibly ≠ impossibly
1if something is possible, it can be done or achieved OPP impossible: Is it possible to get tickets for the game? It might be possible for the documents to be sent over. Computer technology makes it possible for many people to work from home. I want to avoid the rush hour traffic if possible. I walk or use public transport whenever possible. We are doing everything possible to track down the killer. Our staff will help you in every way possible. Even if it were technically possible, we do not have the money to do it. She decided to stay as far away from him as was humanly possible.2as soon/quickly/much etc as possible as soon, quickly etc as you can: I need the money as soon as possible. Sharon always does as little work as possible. The original features of the house have been preserved as far as possible (=as much as possible).3a possible answer, cause etc might be true: There seem to be only two possible explanations. the possible causes of a child’s learning difficultiesit is possible (that) It’s possible that the letter got lost in the post.4a possible event or thing might happen or exist: Heavy rain is possible later in the day. the possible effect on the health of local people You need to look at the possible consequences of your actions. In Hollywood, anything is possible (=anything can happen, even though it may seem very unlikely).5the best/biggest/fastest etc possible the best etc that can exist or be achieved: Try to get the best possible price. What is the worst possible thing that could happen?6would it be possible (for somebody) to do something? spoken used when asking politely if you can do or have something: Would it be possible to speak to Oliver?COLLOCATIONSphrasesit is possible to do something· From the hilltop it was possible to see the sea.make it possible to do something· Medical advances have made it possible to keep more patients alive.if possible (also if at all possible)· If possible, take light exercise first thing in the morning.where/wherever/whenever possible· Choose wholemeal varieties of flour and pasta, where possible.do everything possible· We must do everything possible to limit our impact on the Earth's environment.in every way possible· The company helped promote the scheme in every way possible.adverbsperfectly/quite possible (=definitely possible)· Combining a family with a career is perfectly possible .theoretically possible (=possible in theory, but difficult and unlikely)· It is theoretically possible for all students to get full marks.technically possible (=possible with the technology available)· Amendments to software may be technically possible, but are inadvisable.humanly possible (=possible for anyone)· It is not humanly possible to work for more than fifteen hours a day.THESAURUSpossible if something is possible, it can be done or achieved: · I think it’s possible that we could win the race.· I want to get back by 5 o'clock if possible.· Please let me know your answer as soon as possible.feasible if an idea or plan is feasible, it is possible and you can find a practical way of doing it: · We need to find out first if the idea is technically feasible.· It is not feasible to have security cameras in every part of the building.· Da Silva considered it feasible that uranium could be produced on an industrial scale.viable possible and likely to be successful, and therefore worth doing: · Nuclear energy is the only viable alternative to coal or gas.· The product needs to be commercially viable.· We have yet to find a viable solution to the problem.· The company was no longer financially viable (=it could not make enough money to be able to continue).workable a workable plan, system, or solution is one that can be done or used: · By early morning, they had arrived at a workable and safe solution.· The company would have a tough job convincing people that the deal was workable.doable informal if something is doable, you have enough money, energy, or skill to do it: · This exercise programme is doable for most people.· Do you think the walk is doable?· Hosting great parties is fun, easy, and doable on any budget.· The book is full of interesting and doable recipes.achievable (also attainable formal) able to be achieved: · A 15% cut in carbon emissions is achievable.· Perfect democracy is not attainable, nor is perfect freedom or perfect justice.realistic if something is realistic, it seems sensible to think that it can be done or achieved: · a realistic target· Their expectations didn’t seem very realistic.· It is important to set yourself realistic goals.possible1 adjectivepossible2 noun
possiblepossible2 noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Dern is another possible for the award.
- He assumed that this could only be because he was one of the possibles.
- It's a device which when read by scanner, gives a unique code; one of 34 billion possibles.
- There were other possibles - mostly underworld figures - but I discounted them as red herrings.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Please let me know your decision as soon as possible (=as soon as you can). It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer. We’ve kept the original features of the house as far as possible (=as much as possible). I want to get back by five o’clock if possible. My lawyer advised me to say as little as possible. Try to keep going for as long as possible. The fruit should be left on the tree as long as possible. The use of computers has made it possible for more people to work from home. He told me, in the nicest possible way, that I was interfering too much. Try and get the car fixed as soon as possible. a policy of using recycled paper whenever possible I feel I ought to be nice to them wherever possible (=at all times when it is possible). What is the worst possible thing that can happen?COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB
· I’m busy tomorrow but Wednesday is a possible alternative.
Please let me know your decision as soon as possible (=as soon as you can).· We sold the house at the best possible time.
(=someone who you might give a job or position to)· There were two women who were possible candidates.
It is certainly true that there are more courses on offer.· What are the likely consequences of these changes?
· Can anyone think of a possible explanation for why this is happening?
We’ve kept the original features of the house as far as possible (=as much as possible). I want to get back by five o’clock if possible.· We discussed the possible implications of oil price rises.
My lawyer advised me to say as little as possible. Try to keep going for as long as possible. The fruit should be left on the tree as long as possible. The use of computers has made it possible for more people to work from home.· The police are still thinking about possible motives for the murders.
He told me, in the nicest possible way, that I was interfering too much. (=whenever possible)· She went to the museum at every opportunity.
· When you throw a die, there are six possible outcomes.
· Defence planners are paid to consider every possible scenario.
· There are three possible solutions to this problem.
Try and get the car fixed as soon as possible.· He had been tipped as a possible successor to the president.
· The police drew up a list of possible suspects.
a policy of using recycled paper whenever possible I feel I ought to be nice to them wherever possible (=at all times when it is possible). What is the worst possible thing that can happen?· The recurring theme here is that community makes learning possible.· Any such success would make other successes possible.· The modern skyscraper had been made possible by the addition of the electric motor to Elisha Otis's earlier elevator.· This was also the first generation to take full advantage of the decentralized workplaces made possible by information technology.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- Firefighters did everything humanly possible to save lives.
- The report was as fair as is humanly possible.
- Acquaint yourselves with it as soon as is humanly possible.
- Although speechreaders learn the necessity for keen attention and mental focus, it is not humanly possible to focus attention all day.
- He should be punished for as long as it is humanly possible to punish him.
- If so, will he ensure that a police officer accompanies every military patrol whenever humanly possible?
- Our Government is fashioned to fulfill this concept so far as humanly possible.
- The task at hand was to devise an immediate gathering of the vestry and to make it as splendid as humanly possible.
- They demanded attention which it was not humanly possible to give.
- What she must do was concentrate on getting her memory back so that she could get home to them as soon as humanly possible.
- Also, it isn't physically possible to sit and listen to a rap album all the way through.
- But he realized that this was physically impossible.
- By the power of his imagination he was trying to do something that was physically impossible.
- His hypothesis, while unlikely, is neither logically nor physically impossible.
- The illogical, unlikely and physically impossible are treated as natural phenomena.
- They were just physically impossible to move in and out of the studios.
- Life-ways are opened up which are not remotely possible, even in analogous terms, to any other species.
- Although it is already technically possible for network administrators to monitor Internet traffic, such tracking has been difficult to do.
- Berni came into this world on May 12 at 9: 07 a. m. It was a technically difficult delivery.
- FLEXthe name of both the machine and its language-was not technically feasible at the time.
- One expert achieved unwanted fame by stating, categorically, that it was no longer technically possible to build modern aircraft out of wood.
- Subsequent additions and amendments to software may be technically possible, but inadvisable because of subsequent upgrade issues.
- The members thought that it was technically feasible and, under the right conditions, could benefit the region.
- There is nothing technically difficult about this; if the computer can look one play ahead it can look 20.
- There was no question that a tunnel was technically feasible, but 1 wanted to know what the economics would be.
WORD FAMILYnounpossibility ≠ impossibilitythe impossiblepossibleadjectivepossible ≠ impossibleadverbpossibly ≠ impossibly
someone or something that might be suitable or acceptable for a particular purpose: Frank’s a possible for the job.