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possibly

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adverb British English pronunciation: possibly /ˈpɒsəbli/
  1. 1
    likely to happen or be true, but not certain

    There is a chance of showers today and possibly a thunderstorm.

    ‘Do we have enough money to get a car?’ ‘Possibly.’

    quite/very possibly:

    He is quite possibly the most experienced climber in the world.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  possiblyThesaurus entry for this meaning of possibly
  2. 2
    used for emphasizing your surprise or shock at something
    can/could someone possibly:

    What could I possibly have that you want?

    How can anyone possibly spend an hour in the shower?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  possiblyThesaurus entry for this meaning of possibly
    1. a.
      used for emphasizing that someone has tried extremely hard to do something

      She’s done everything she could possibly think of to help.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  possiblyThesaurus entry for this meaning of possibly
    2. b.
      [always in negatives] used for emphasizing that something cannot happen or cannot be done

      You can’t possibly ask them to risk their lives.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  possiblyThesaurus entry for this meaning of possibly
  3. 3
    spoken used for asking someone to do something that you think might not be convenient for them
    can/could someone possibly do something?:

    Could you possibly give me a lift to work?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  possiblyThesaurus entry for this meaning of possibly

This is the British English definition of possibly. View American English definition of possibly.

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