possible

[pos-uh-buh l] /ˈpɒs ə bəl/
adjective
1.
that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc.:
a disease with no possible cure.
2.
that may be true or may be the case, as something concerning which one has no knowledge to the contrary:
It is possible that he has already gone.
Origin
1300-50; Middle English < Latin possibilis that may be done, equivalent to poss(e) to be able (see posse) + -ibilis -ible
Related forms
nonpossible, adjective
Can be confused
possible, practicable, practical (see synonym study at the current entry; see synonym study at practical)
Synonyms
1. Possible, feasible, practicable refer to that which may come about or take place without prevention by serious obstacles. That which is possible is naturally able or even likely to happen, other circumstances being equal: Discovery of a new source of plutonium may be possible. Feasible refers to the ease with which something can be done and implies a high degree of desirability for doing it: This plan is the most feasible. Practicable applies to that which can be done with the means that are at hand and with conditions as they are: We ascended the slope as far as was practicable.
Examples from the web for possible
  • And they wanted us to keep everything as accurate as possible.
  • This is a very powerful concept that has made a lot of modern technology possible.
  • Using sharp pruning shears, cut them off as close as possible to the trunk or root.
  • Slice cold boiled ham as thinly as possible.
  • When you have all six possible wedges, you move back into the middle of the board and answer one last question to win the game.
  • They are as close as it's possible to get in this race.
  • It offers a guide to the subtle art of making possible what is necessary.
  • To help reinforce the patio's edge, lay sod or plant low-growing ground covers as close to it as possible.
  • It is possible for us to celebrate life and transform the invisible into the visible.
  • One possible explanation for dark matter is a group of subatomic particles called neutrinos.
British Dictionary definitions for possible

possible

/ˈpɒsɪbəl/
adjective
1.
capable of existing, taking place, or proving true without contravention of any natural law
2.
capable of being achieved: it is not possible to finish in three weeks
3.
having potential or capabilities for favourable use or development: the idea is a possible money-spinner
4.
that may or may not happen or have happened; feasible but less than probable: it is possible that man will live on Mars
5.
(logic) (of a statement, formula, etc) capable of being true under some interpretation, or in some circumstances. Usual symbol: Mp or ◇p, where p is the given expression
noun
6.
another word for possibility (sense 3)
Usage note
Although it is very common to talk about something being very possible or more possible, these uses are generally thought to be incorrect, since possible describes an absolute state, and therefore something can only be possible or not possible: it is very likely (not very possible) that he will resign; it has now become easier (not more possible) to obtain an entry visa
Word Origin
C14: from Latin possibilis that may be, from posse to be able, have power
Word Origin and History for possible
adj.

mid-14c., from Old French possible and directly from Latin possibilis "that can be done," from posse "be able" (see potent).

n.

1640s, from possible (adj.).

Idioms and Phrases with possible