different between possible vs achievable

English

Etymology

From Middle English possible, from Old French possible, from Latin possibilis (“possible”), from posse (“to be able”); see power. Displaced Old English mihtl?? (“possible”), which was cognate with Dutch mogelijk (“possible”) and German möglich (“possible”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?p?s?bl?/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?p?s?bl?/
• Hyphenation: pos?si?ble

Adjective

possible (comparative possibler or more possible, superlative possiblest or most possible)

1. (usually not comparable) Able but not certain to happen; neither inevitable nor impossible.

   Synonyms: futurable; see also Thesaurus:possible

   Antonyms: certain, inevitable, impossible
2. (comparable) Capable of being done or achieved; feasible.

   Synonyms: achievable, doable, viable

   Antonym: impossible
3. Being considered, e.g. for a position.

4. Apparently valid, likely, plausible.

   Synonyms: likely, plausible

   Antonym: implausible

Derived terms

• as much as possible
• ASAP (“as soon as possible”)
• possibly

Related terms

• possibility
• potent
• potential
• probable
• improbable
• incidental
• contingent

Translations

Noun

possible (plural possibles)

1. A possible one.
2. (colloquial, rare) A possible choice, notably someone being considered for a position.

   Jones is a possible for the new opening in sales.

3. (rare) A particular event that may happen.

Synonyms

• possibility
• option

Antonyms

• impossible
• no-go

Translations

Further reading

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

Anagrams

• bespoils

Catalan

Etymology

From Latin possibilis.

Pronunciation

• (Balearic, Central) IPA^(key): /pu?si.bl?/
• (Valencian) IPA^(key): /po?si.ble/

Adjective

possible (masculine and feminine plural possibles)

1. possible

   Antonym: impossible

Derived terms

• possibilitat
• possiblement

Related terms

• impossible

Further reading

• “possible” in Diccionari de la llengua catalana, segona edició, Institut d’Estudis Catalans.

French

Etymology

From Latin possibilis.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /p?.sibl/

Adjective

possible (plural possibles)

1. possible

Related terms

• possibilité
• possiblement

Noun

possible m (plural possibles)

1. The possible, feasible, what can be done, achieved etc.

Derived terms

Further reading

• “possible” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

English

Etymology

From achieve +? -able

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /??t?iv?b?l/
• Hyphenation: achiev?a?ble

Adjective

achievable (comparative more achievable, superlative most achievable)

1. Capable of being achieved, which either means possible or probable.
2. Not linked to fate or outside influences.

Translations