Fluently

Log in

How to Say Possible: Pronunciation, Definition

Learn how to say possible correctly; explore its pronunciation, meaning, origin, alternatives, and usage in common phrases.

Let's Improve Your English Now

How to Pronounce Possible

 

Breaking Down "Possible"

 

  • First syllable ("pos"): Pronounce this as "poss". It sounds similar to the word "pass" but with a very short “o” sound. Keep your lips relaxed.

  • Middle syllable ("si"): This is pronounced "suh". Make sure the sound is light and quick, like the soft “a” in "sofa".

  • Last syllable ("ble"): Say this as "bul". The final "l" is soft; do not overemphasize it. It should sound nearly like the word "bull" without a hard ending.

 

Putting It Together

 

  • Combine Slowly: Merge the parts to form "poss-suh-bul". Practice each segment separately before joining them.

  • Rhythm: The stress falls slightly on the first syllable ("poss"). The other two syllables are softer and quicker.

 

Practice Tips

 

  • Practice Slowly: Say each part out loud slowly at first, and then gradually speed up until the word sounds natural.

  • Listen and Imitate: Find examples of native speakers pronouncing "possible" (using online dictionaries or videos) and try to copy their intonation and rhythm.

  • Record Yourself: Record your pronunciation and compare it with native pronunciations to adjust any parts that sound off.

 

Common Pitfalls

 

  • Overstress: Do not stress the syllables too much; the word should have a natural, flowing sound.

  • Mispronunciation of the Ending: Avoid saying "blee" or "ball". Focus on a quick, soft "bul" at the end.

 

Practice with


AI tutor

Speaking practice on real-life topics: job interviews, meetings, sales, pitch calls—whatever you need

What Does Possible Mean

 

Understanding "Possible"

 

The word possible means that something can happen or be done. It is used when there is a chance or the ability for something to occur.

  • Meaning: When you say something is possible, you mean it is within the realm of chance or ability.

  • Example in a sentence: "It is possible to finish the work by tomorrow." This means that finishing the work by tomorrow can be done if the right conditions are met.

  • Context: We use possible when we want to express that there are no strict barriers or limits stopping an action or event.

  • Simple idea: Think of possible as meaning "can happen" or "able to be done".

  • Everyday uses:

    • If someone asks, "Is it possible to learn English?" it means, "Can you learn English with practice?"

    • If you hear, "It is possible to travel by train," this means that traveling by train is a way you can travel.

If something is not possible, then there is no chance it can happen or be done. For example, "It is not possible for humans to fly without help" means that without assistance, humans cannot fly.

Remember, when you use the word possible, you are talking about an opportunity or ability without any guarantee. It simply shows that under the right conditions, something might occur or can be done.

 

Understanding "Possible"

 

The word possible means that something can happen or be done. It is used when there is a chance or the ability for something to occur.

  • Meaning: When you say something is possible, you mean it is within the realm of chance or ability.

  • Example in a sentence: "It is possible to finish the work by tomorrow." This means that finishing the work by tomorrow can be done if the right conditions are met.

  • Context: We use possible when we want to express that there are no strict barriers or limits stopping an action or event.

  • Simple idea: Think of possible as meaning "can happen" or "able to be done".

  • Everyday uses:

    • If someone asks, "Is it possible to learn English?" it means, "Can you learn English with practice?"

    • If you hear, "It is possible to travel by train," this means that traveling by train is a way you can travel.

If something is not possible, then there is no chance it can happen or be done. For example, "It is not possible for humans to fly without help" means that without assistance, humans cannot fly.

Remember, when you use the word possible, you are talking about an opportunity or ability without any guarantee. It simply shows that under the right conditions, something might occur or can be done.

The Origin of the Word Possible

 

The Origin of the Word "Possible"

 

  • Latin Roots: The word "possible" comes from the Latin word possibilis, which means "capable of being done." The Latin word comes from posse, meaning "to be able." This shows that even in ancient times, people linked the idea of possibility with the power or ability to do something.

  • Old French Influence: When the Latin word passed into other languages, it moved through Old French. In Old French, the word was very similar—possible—and over time it was adopted into English with little change in its meaning.

  • Meaning in English: Today, "possible" is used in English to describe something that can be achieved or has the potential to happen. The idea is still connected to the Latin meaning of being “able” or “capable.”

  • Related Words: Since posse is the root of "possible," you can see its influence in other English words like potential, which also deals with the ability or capacity to develop or happen.

 

 

The Origin of the Word "Possible"

 

  • Latin Roots: The word "possible" comes from the Latin word possibilis, which means "capable of being done." The Latin word comes from posse, meaning "to be able." This shows that even in ancient times, people linked the idea of possibility with the power or ability to do something.

  • Old French Influence: When the Latin word passed into other languages, it moved through Old French. In Old French, the word was very similar—possible—and over time it was adopted into English with little change in its meaning.

  • Meaning in English: Today, "possible" is used in English to describe something that can be achieved or has the potential to happen. The idea is still connected to the Latin meaning of being “able” or “capable.”

  • Related Words: Since posse is the root of "possible," you can see its influence in other English words like potential, which also deals with the ability or capacity to develop or happen.

 

What to Say Instead Possible

Feasible

 

  • Similarity: Like "possible," feasible denotes that something can be done, often with an emphasis on practicality.

  • Usage: "The proposed design is feasible, given the available resources and technology."

Feasible

 

  • Similarity: Like "possible," feasible denotes that something can be done, often with an emphasis on practicality.

  • Usage: "The proposed design is feasible, given the available resources and technology."

Attainable

 

  • Similarity: Attainable indicates that a goal or outcome is within reach, echoing the idea of possibility.

  • Usage: "With a clear plan and effort, success in the project is attainable."

Attainable

 

  • Similarity: Attainable indicates that a goal or outcome is within reach, echoing the idea of possibility.

  • Usage: "With a clear plan and effort, success in the project is attainable."

Achievable

 

  • Similarity: Achievable is synonymous with possible, highlighting that an objective can be accomplished.

  • Usage: "The targets set for this quarter are challenging but achievable."

Achievable

 

  • Similarity: Achievable is synonymous with possible, highlighting that an objective can be accomplished.

  • Usage: "The targets set for this quarter are challenging but achievable."

Conceivable

 

  • Similarity: Conceivable suggests that something can be thought of or imagined as a possibility.

  • Usage: "It is conceivable that new technologies will revolutionize the industry in the near future."

Conceivable

 

  • Similarity: Conceivable suggests that something can be thought of or imagined as a possibility.

  • Usage: "It is conceivable that new technologies will revolutionize the industry in the near future."

Plausible

 

  • Similarity: Plausible shares a connotation with possible, implying that an idea is not only possible but also likely or reasonable.

  • Usage: "Her explanation was plausible given the evidence presented."

Plausible

 

  • Similarity: Plausible shares a connotation with possible, implying that an idea is not only possible but also likely or reasonable.

  • Usage: "Her explanation was plausible given the evidence presented."

Viable

 

  • Similarity: Viable means capable of working successfully or practically, paralleling the idea of something being possible.

  • Usage: "After reviewing the project, the committee concluded that it was a viable solution."

Viable

 

  • Similarity: Viable means capable of working successfully or practically, paralleling the idea of something being possible.

  • Usage: "After reviewing the project, the committee concluded that it was a viable solution."

...cheaper than
a human tutor.

And available 24/7

Let's Improve Your English

...cheaper than
a human tutor.

And available 24/7

Let's Improve Your English Now

Common Phrases and Examples with Possible

Example 1: Sentence: It is possible to learn English if you practice every day.   Explanation: This sentence shows that learning English can happen through daily practice.

Example 1: Sentence: It is possible to learn English if you practice every day.   Explanation: This sentence shows that learning English can happen through daily practice.

Example 2: Sentence: I will try to answer as many questions as possible.   Explanation: Here, "possible" means the highest number of questions I can answer.

Example 2: Sentence: I will try to answer as many questions as possible.   Explanation: Here, "possible" means the highest number of questions I can answer.

Example 3: Sentence: It is possible that the bus is late today.   Explanation: In this sentence, "possible" suggests there might be a chance that the bus is delayed.

Example 3: Sentence: It is possible that the bus is late today.   Explanation: In this sentence, "possible" suggests there might be a chance that the bus is delayed.

Example 4: Sentence: Please, if possible, close the window.   Explanation: "If possible" is used here to ask politely for the window to be closed, if it can be done.

Example 4: Sentence: Please, if possible, close the window.   Explanation: "If possible" is used here to ask politely for the window to be closed, if it can be done.

Example 5: Sentence: We looked for the best possible solution to the problem.   Explanation: "Best possible" means the very best solution we can find.

Example 5: Sentence: We looked for the best possible solution to the problem.   Explanation: "Best possible" means the very best solution we can find.

Example 6: Sentence: She will finish the project as soon as possible.   Explanation: This sentence uses "as soon as possible" to mean that she will complete the work without any delay.

Example 6: Sentence: She will finish the project as soon as possible.   Explanation: This sentence uses "as soon as possible" to mean that she will complete the work without any delay.

Get your
real English level

Make a quick 4-minute call
with our AI tutor

and get your
English score for FREE

Test My English Level

Test My English Level

Get your real English level

Make a quick 4-minute call with our AI tutor


and get your English score for FREE

Test My English Level

team@getfluently.app

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Fluently iOS app

© 2025 Fluently Inc.