possibly

Everyday

1. Perhaps; maybe — used when something could be true or could happen but you are not sure. tree →
2. (with can/could) In any way possible: «I'll come as soon as I possibly can». tree →
3. (in polite requests) «Could you possibly help me?» tree →
4. (with can't) Used to say something is impossible: «I can't possibly eat all that». tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science: «possibly» shows uncertainty — a possible event may or may not happen. In stories: «It was possibly the best day ever» shows strong feeling with a little doubt. In polite talk: «Could you possibly…?» makes a request very polite. Similar: maybe, perhaps, probably (stronger).

Examples

• It will possibly rain later. tree →
• Could you possibly open the window? tree →
• That was possibly the best cake I've ever eaten. tree →
• I can't possibly finish all this homework tonight! tree →
• "Will you come?" "Possibly." tree →
• We'll get there as fast as we possibly can. tree →
• What more can you possibly want?" tree →

Note

Adverb from «possible» — drop e, add -ly: possibly (not «possiblely»). «Possibly» is less sure than «probably»: probably = likely, possibly = it could happen.