Impossibly: meaning, definitions and examples

🤯
Add to dictionary

impossibly

 

[ ɪmˈpɒsɪblɪ ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

incredible

In a way or to a degree that is impossible; beyond the bounds of possibility.

Synonyms

incredibly, unbelievably, unimaginably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
impossibly

This word is used primarily to describe something that seems beyond the realms of possibility or very difficult to accomplish.

  • The task was impossibly hard
  • He climbed an impossibly high mountain
unbelievably

Used when something is so extraordinary that it is hard to believe. It often conveys a sense of surprise or astonishment.

  • The magician performed an unbelievably amazing trick
  • He was unbelievably lucky to win the lottery twice
unimaginably

This word describes something that is so extreme or vast that it is difficult even to imagine. It is often used in contexts that require a sense of awe or wonder.

  • The universe is unimaginably large
  • The devastation caused by the earthquake was unimaginably severe
incredibly

Often used to express something that is hard to believe due to its extremity or impressiveness, but not necessarily impossible.

  • She told an incredibly interesting story
  • The view from the top of the mountain was incredibly beautiful

Examples of usage

  • It was impossibly difficult to reach the summit of the mountain.
  • The task seemed impossibly daunting at first.
Context #2 | Adverb

unreasonably

To an extent or in a manner that defies reason or logic.

Synonyms

absurdly, outrageously, unrealistically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
impossibly

Often used for emphasis to highlight the extreme nature of something. This can be positive or negative.

  • The cake was impossibly delicious.
  • It was an impossibly beautiful sunset.
unrealistically

Used to describe something that is not practical or likely to happen, often in a negative sense.

  • She set unrealistically high expectations for herself.
  • The movie portrayed the characters in an unrealistically perfect manner.
absurdly

Used when something is ridiculous or makes no sense. This often has a whimsical or comical connotation.

  • He was absurdly optimistic about winning the lottery.
  • The plan was absurdly complicated for such a simple task.
outrageously

Indicates something that is shockingly bad or excessive, often with a sense of moral indignation.

  • The car was outrageously expensive.
  • He was outraged by the outrageously unfair treatment.

Examples of usage

  • She was impossibly late for the meeting.
  • The prices at the fancy restaurant were impossibly high.

Translations

Translations of the word "impossibly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impossivelmente

🇮🇳 असंभवतः

🇩🇪 unmöglich

🇮🇩 mustahil

🇺🇦 неможливо

🇵🇱 niemożliwie

🇯🇵 不可能に

🇫🇷 impossiblement

🇪🇸 imposiblemente

🇹🇷 imkansız bir şekilde

🇰🇷 불가능하게

🇸🇦 بشكل مستحيل

🇨🇿 nemožně

🇸🇰 nemožne

🇨🇳 不可能地

🇸🇮 nemogoče

🇮🇸 ógerlega

🇰🇿 мүмкін емес

🇬🇪 შეუძლებლად

🇦🇿 mümkünsüz

🇲🇽 imposiblemente

Etymology

The word 'impossibly' is derived from the adjective 'impossible', which comes from the Latin word 'impossibilis', meaning 'not possible'. The suffix -ly is added to form the adverb 'impossibly', indicating that something is done in a manner that is impossible. The concept of impossibility has been explored in philosophy and mathematics, questioning the limits of what can be achieved or known.

See also: impossibility, impossible, possibility.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,070, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.