- possible
- pos|si|ble1 W1S1 [ˈpɔsıbəl US ˈpa:-] adj[Date: 1300-1400; : French; Origin: Latin possibilis, from posse 'to be able']1.) if something is possible, it can be done or achieved≠ ↑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 .2.) as soon/quickly/much etc as possibleas 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) .3.) a 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.4.) a 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) .5.) the best/biggest/fastest etc possiblethe best etc that can exist or be achieved▪ Try to get the best possible price.▪ What is the worst possible thing that could happen?6.) would it be possible (for sb) to do sth?spoken used when asking politely if you can do or have something▪ Would it be possible to speak to Oliver?▬▬▬▬▬▬▬COLLOCATES for sense 1it is possible (for somebody) to do somethingmake it possible (for somebody) to do somethingif (at all) possible (= if it is possible to do it)where/whenever/wherever possible (=every time you have an opportunity)do everything possible(in) every way possibletechnically possible (=possible using the scientific knowledge available)theoretically possible (=possible but difficult and unlikely to be done)humanly possible (=possible for anyone)▬▬▬▬▬▬▬possible 2possible2 nsomeone or something that might be suitable or acceptable for a particular purpose▪ Frank's a possible for the job.
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.