different between possibility vs definitely

English

Etymology

From Middle French possibilité, from Old French possibilite, from Late Latin possibilit?s (“possibility”), from Latin possibilis (“possible”); see possible.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?p?s??b?liti/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?p?s??b?liti/
• Hyphenation: pos?si?bil?i?ty
• Rhymes: -?l?ti

Noun

possibility (countable and uncountable, plural possibilities)

1. The quality of being possible.
2. A thing possible; that which may take place or come into being.
3. An option or choice, usually used in context with future events.

Synonyms

• (the quality of being possible):
• (a thing possible): contingency; See also Thesaurus:possibility
• (an option or choice): choice, option; See also Thesaurus:option

Antonyms

• impossibility; See also Thesaurus:impossibility

Derived terms

• logical possibility
• possibility theory

Related terms

• impossibility
• possible
• potence
• potency
• potent
• potentate
• potential
• potentiality
• power

Translations

Further reading

• possibility in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• possibility in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

English

Etymology

definite +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?d?f.?n?t.li/, /?d?f.?n?t.li/, /?d?f.n?t.li/

Adverb

definitely (comparative more definitely, superlative most definitely)

1. Without question and beyond doubt.

   She said she wasn't coming, definitely.

2. In a definite manner; decisively.
   • 1912, Joseph Conrad, A Personal Record Chapter IV

     It was really impossible on board that ship to get away definitely from Almayer

   • 1916, Claud Field (translator), Nikolai Gogol, The Nose, (1836)

     And the Nose definitely turned away.

   • 2003, Herbert Mitgang, Once Upon a Time in New York (page 187)

     And these Elders were men of good standing in that community, and they swore definitely before the counsel that this lady committed this impropriety, and there was nobody to gainsay that, except the lady herself, […]

Translations

See also

• definitively
• absolutely