SAT Vocabulary: Understanding the Word ‘Possible’
Learn about the SAT vocabulary word ‘possible’, including its meaning, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in sentences. This video explains common errors and provides tips for recognizing ‘possible’ in SAT questions.
Imagine standing at the base of a towering mountain. As you look up at its peak, you might wonder, is climbing to the top possible?
This question brings us to our SAT vocabulary word of the day: possible.
Word type: Possible is an adjective.
Meaning: Possible means capable of happening, existing, or being true without contradicting proven facts, laws, or circumstances.
It describes something that can be done or achieved, or something that may or may not occur.
Word history: The word possible comes from the Latin word possibilis, which means that which can be done.
It entered the English language in the fourteenth century through Old French.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for possible include feasible, achievable, attainable, and conceivable.
Antonyms: Antonyms of possible include impossible, unattainable, and unfeasible.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how we can use possible in different contexts.
First, It is possible that it will rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella. Second, The scientists are exploring all possible explanations for the unusual phenomenon.
Third, With hard work and dedication, achieving your dreams is possible. Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing possible with probable.
While possible means something can happen, probable means it is likely to happen. For example, it is possible to win the lottery, but not probable for any given person.
For SAT preparation, remember that possible often appears in questions about potential outcomes or hypothetical situations.
When you see this word, think about whether something can occur, not whether it will occur. To sum up, possible describes things that can happen or be done.
It comes from Latin, has various synonyms like feasible and achievable, and is the opposite of impossible.
By understanding its usage and recognizing it in different contexts, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle SAT questions involving this versatile word.
