possibility
gb/pˌɑsəbˈɪləti/ us/pˌɑsəbˈɪləti/
B1
English
~ 1100
lehetőség
NOUN
B1
1
lehetőség
A2
Usage pattern:
the possibility of [something]
There is a strong possibility that it will rain tomorrow.
Nagy az esélye, hogy holnap esni fog.
We discussed the possibility of moving to another city.
Megbeszéltük annak a lehetőségét, hogy egy másik városba költözzünk.
She refused to rule out the possibility of running for office.
The project failed because we didn’t consider every possibility.
Is there any possibility that you could finish earlier?
Learner examples
There is a possibility of rain today.
Lehetséges, hogy ma esni fog.
He talked about the possibility of a new job.
Beszélt egy új munka lehetőségéről.
We cannot ignore the possibility of problems.
I will think about the possibility of travel.
They are looking into the possibility of a new school.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'possibility' with 'opportunity'. 'Possibility' refers to whether something can happen, while 'opportunity' refers to a good chance to do something.
Meaning
something that can happen or be true
Collocations
real possibility
|strong possibility
|remote possibility
|explore the possibility
|rule out the possibility
Synonyms
chance (Often used more informally to mean a likelihood or opportunity for something to happen.)
Antonyms
impossibility (Indicates that something cannot happen or be true.)
Themes
daily life
|decision-making
|planning
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A situation or event that might happen or be true.
The condition or fact of something being able to occur, exist, or be true.
NOUN
B1
2
lehetőség
A2
Usage pattern:
[a/one] possibility is [clause/noun phrase]
One possibility is to take the train instead of flying.
Az egyik lehetőség az, hogy repülés helyett vonattal megyünk.
We looked at several possibilities before making a decision.
Több lehetőséget is megvizsgáltunk, mielőtt döntést hoztunk.
There are endless possibilities for decorating the room.
Another possibility is that he forgot our meeting.
The team explored all possibilities before choosing their strategy.
Learner examples
One possibility is to go by bus.
Az egyik lehetőség az, hogy busszal megyünk.
We have many possibilities for dinner.
Sokféle lehetőségünk van vacsorára.
Another possibility is to start later.
They talked about all the possibilities.
This is one of the possibilities we can choose.
Common mistake:
Some learners use 'possibility' where 'option' would sound more natural in casual decision-making contexts.
Meaning
one possible choice or result
Collocations
consider all possibilities
|endless possibilities
|list of possibilities
|explore possibilities
Synonyms
option (Refers to a choice available, often in decision-making contexts.)
Antonyms
certainty (Something definite and not open to alternative outcomes.)
Themes
planning
|problem-solving
|core_vocabulary
Definition
One thing that might happen or be chosen from many options.
One of a number of things that could happen, be done, or be chosen.
Grammar
Dictionary form
possibility
IPA
GB/pˌɑsəbˈɪləti/
US/pˌɑsəbˈɪləti/
Syllables & stress
pos - sib - il - ity (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (il)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: possibility
- Plural: possibilities, possibility
Word family
Forms
possibilities
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
endless possibilities
1/ˈɛndləs pˌɑsəbˈɪlətiz/
fixed phrase
unlimited potential options or outcomes
Many things can happen or be done, with no clear limit.
Examples
- The new technology offers endless possibilities for communication.
- With your skills, you have endless possibilities ahead.
open up possibilities
1/ˈoʊpən ˈʌp pˌɑsəbˈɪlətiz/
fixed phrase
create new options or opportunities
To make new chances or choices possible.
Examples
- The internet has opened up possibilities for remote work.
- Traveling can open up possibilities you never imagined.
within the realm of possibility
1/wɪðˈɪn ðə ɹˈɛlm əv pˌɑsəbˈɪləti/
idiom
formal
realistically possible or achievable
Something that could really happen or be done.
Examples
- It's within the realm of possibility that we'll finish ahead of schedule.
- A cure is within the realm of possibility in the next decade.
within the realm of possibility
2/wɪðˈɪn ðə ɹˈɛlm əv pˌɑsəbˈɪləti/
idiom
realistically possible
Able to happen; not impossible, even if it may be difficult or unlikely.
Examples
- With careful planning, finishing the project in two weeks is within the realm of possibility.
- Winning the prize is within the realm of possibility, but it will take a lot of work.
- Buying a small apartment next year is within the realm of possibility for them.