noun
possibilities
pos-uh-BIL-uh-teez
Possibilities (noun) means Things that might happen, or courses of action that could be taken. Example: “We narrowed it down to three possibilities before lunch.”
noun
1
Things that might happen, or courses of action that could be taken.
"We narrowed it down to three possibilities before lunch."
"Detectives are not ruling out any possibilities at this stage."
2
The potential that something has to be developed into something better.
"The flat is dark and cramped, but the garden has possibilities."
How to use possibilities
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThings that could happen, or choices you could make.
When to use it
Neutral and everyday.
Memory tip
Possibilities are things that could happen; probabilities are how likely each one is.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
endless possibilities
explore the possibilities
rule out possibilities
open up new possibilities
a world of possibilities
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We narrowed it down to three _____ before lunch.
Etymology
Plural of possibility, from Latin possibilis meaning 'able to be done', from posse meaning 'to be able'.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for possibilities
See all rhymes for possibilities →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between possibilities and probabilities?
Possibilities are the outcomes that could occur at all, regardless of how unlikely. Probabilities measure how likely each of those outcomes is, usually as a number between 0 and 1. Every probability starts as a possibility, but most possibilities have very low probabilities.
What is the difference between possibilities and opportunities?
A possibility is simply something that could happen, good or bad. An opportunity is a possibility that would benefit you and that is open to you now, which is why it usually comes with a sense that it should be taken before it closes.
Is it 'possibility of' or 'possibility to'?
Standard English uses 'the possibility of' plus a noun or -ing form: 'the possibility of rain', 'the possibility of losing'. 'Possibility to do something' is a common learner error; use 'the chance to' or 'the opportunity to' instead.
What is the meaning of possibilities?
"possibilities" (noun) means things that might happen, or courses of action that could be taken.
