possibly

pos|si|bly

W2S1 [ˈpɔsıbli US ˈpa:-] adv

1.) used when saying that something may be true or likely, although you are not completely certain

= ↑perhaps, maybe ↑maybe

▪ This last task is possibly the most difficult.

▪ It will take three weeks, possibly longer.

▪ 'Will you be here tomorrow?' 'Possibly.'

▪ 'Was it murder?' ' Quite possibly (=it is very likely) .'

2.) spoken used to emphasize that you are very surprised or shocked by something, or you cannot understand it

▪ How could anyone possibly do such a thing?

3.) could/can you possibly

spoken used when making a polite request

▪ Could you possibly close that window?

4.) used to emphasize that someone will do or has done everything they can to help or to achieve something

▪ We shall be contributing as much as we possibly can to the campaign.

▪ Doctors did everything they possibly could to save his life.

5.) used to emphasize that you cannot do something, or that something cannot or could not happen or be done

can't/couldn't possibly

▪ I can't possibly allow you to go home in this weather.

▪ She couldn't possibly have heard what was said.