possibly
gb/pˈɑsəbli/ us/pˈɑsəbli/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
perhaps; maybe
Used to say that something may happen or be true, but you are not sure.
Usage pattern:
possibly [verb/statement]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'possibly' with 'probably'. 'Possibly' means something might happen, while 'probably' means it is more likely than not.
Synonyms
perhaps (Slightly more formal or neutral in tone.)
|
maybe (More informal and common in everyday conversation.)
Antonyms
definitely (Indicates certainty, the opposite of uncertainty.)
|
certainly (Expresses strong confidence or assurance, opposite of doubt.)
Collocations
could possibly
|might possibly
|possibly true
|possibly happen
|possibly be
Themes
probability
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She will possibly join us for dinner if she finishes work early.
- It’s possibly the best movie I’ve seen this year.
- We could possibly meet tomorrow if you’re free.
- He’s possibly telling the truth, but I’m not sure.
- This plan will possibly save the company a lot of money.
Learner examples
- I will possibly go to the park tomorrow.
- She is possibly late because of traffic.
- We can possibly play soccer after school.
- He is possibly at the library now.
- It will possibly rain later.
Grammar
Dictionary form
possibly
IPA
GB/pˈɑsəbli/
US/pˈɑsəbli/
Syllables & stress
pos - sibly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pos)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: possibly
- Plural: possiblies
Word family
Forms
possiblies
noun
Core family
possible
adjective A2
possibility
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
as soon as you can
1/ˈæz sˈun ˈæz jˈu kən/
fixed phrase
do it when you are able, soon
Do it when you are able to, without waiting too long.
Examples
- Call me back as soon as you can.
- Please send me the details as soon as you can.
as quickly as possible
1/ˈæz kwˈɪkli ˈæz pˈɑsəbəl/
fixed phrase
in the fastest way you can
Do it very fast, without delay.
Examples
- Get to the station as quickly as possible.
- The firefighters worked as quickly as possible to put out the fire.
as quickly as possible
2/ˈæz kwˈɪkli ˈæz pˈɑsəbəl/
fixed phrase
At the fastest achievable speed
As fast as you can.
Examples
- Please finish the report as quickly as possible.
- The ambulance arrived as quickly as possible after the call.
as soon as possible
1/ˈæz sˈun ˈæz pˈɑsəbəl/
fixed phrase
at the earliest opportunity
Do it quickly, without waiting any longer than needed.
Examples
- Please reply to my email as soon as possible.
- We need to finish this project as soon as possible.
as soon as possible
2/ˈæz sˈun ˈæz pˈɑsəbəl/
fixed phrase
at the earliest possible time
Do it quickly, without waiting, when you can.
Examples
- Please reply as soon as possible so we can confirm your booking.
- The doctor will see you as soon as possible.
as soon as possible
3/ˈæz sˈun ˈæz pˈɑsəbəl/
fixed phrase
At the earliest possible moment
As quickly as you can.
Examples
- Please reply as soon as possible.
- We need to fix this problem as soon as possible.