- Capable of happening, existing, or being true without contradicting proven facts, laws, or circumstances.
- Capable of occurring or being done without offense to character, nature, or custom.
- Capable of favorable development; potential: a possible site for the new capital.
- Of uncertain likelihood.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin possibilis, from posse, to be able.]
possibly pos'si·bly adv.SYNONYMS possible, workable, practicable, feasible, viable. These adjectives mean capable of occurring or being done. Possible indicates that something may happen, exist, be true, or be realizable: “I made out a list of questions and possible answers” (Mary Roberts Rinehart). Workable is used of something that can be put into effective operation: If the scheme is workable, how will you implement it? Something that is practicable is capable of being effected, done, or put into practice: “As soon as it was practicable, he would conclude his business” (George Eliot). Feasible refers to what can be accomplished, brought about, or carried out: Making cars by hand is possible but not economically feasible. Viable implies having the capacity for continuing effectiveness or success: “How viable are the ancient legends as vehicles for modern literary themes?” (Richard Kain).
