Possibility: meaning, definitions and examples

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possibility

 

[ ˌpɑːsɪˈbɪlɪti ]

Context #1 | Noun

in everyday life

The state or fact of being possible; likelihood or probability.

Synonyms

chance, likelihood, probability

Examples of usage

  • There is a possibility of rain tomorrow.
  • There is a strong possibility that he will win the competition.
Context #2 | Noun

in a philosophical context

The ability to do something or to have something done.

Synonyms

capability, opportunity, potential

Examples of usage

  • There is a possibility for change in the current system.
  • With hard work, there is always a possibility for success.
Context #3 | Noun

in a theoretical discussion

A thing that may happen or be the case.

Synonyms

alternative, option, potentiality

Examples of usage

  • There are endless possibilities in the field of science.
  • Exploring different possibilities can lead to new discoveries.

Translations

Translations of the word "possibility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 possibilidade

🇮🇳 संभावना

🇩🇪 Möglichkeit

🇮🇩 kemungkinan

🇺🇦 можливість

🇵🇱 możliwość

🇯🇵 可能性 (かのうせい)

🇫🇷 possibilité

🇪🇸 posibilidad

🇹🇷 olasılık

🇰🇷 가능성

🇸🇦 إمكانية

🇨🇿 možnost

🇸🇰 možnosť

🇨🇳 可能性 (kěnéngxìng)

🇸🇮 možnost

🇮🇸 möguleiki

🇰🇿 мүмкіндік

🇬🇪 შესაძლებლობა

🇦🇿 ehtimal

🇲🇽 posibilidad

Etymology

The word 'possibility' originates from the Latin word 'possibilitas', which means 'power' or 'ability'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to the state of being possible or the likelihood of something happening. Over the years, 'possibility' has evolved to encompass various meanings, from theoretical probabilities to philosophical concepts of potentiality and capability.

See also: impossibility, impossible, impossibly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,400, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.