How to pronounce possibility
Say it like pos-uh-BIL-uh-tee. Possibility has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BIL).
- pos
- uh
- BIL
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Possibility pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- posGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of possibility
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: pos-ih-BIL-ih-tee.
What does possibility mean?
- The quality of being possible.“'There is little possibility of that happening' 'I'd say there's rather a strongish possibility that it won't.'”
- A thing possible; that which may take place or come into being.
- An option or choice, usually used in context with future events.
Where does possibility come from?
From Middle English possibilite, from Middle French possibilité (from Old French possibilite) and directly from Late Latin possibilitās (“possibility”), from Latin possibilis (“possible”); see possible.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with possibility
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of possibility.
- ability
- responsibility
- utility
- availability
- capability
- mobility
- flexibility
- probability
- reliability
- fertility
Questions about saying possibility
How do you pronounce possibility?
Say pos-uh-BIL-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɑsəˈbɪləˌti/. In British English it is /ˌpɒsɪˈbɪlɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in possibility?
Possibility has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BIL). Broken into parts: pos · uh · BIL · uh · tee.
Is possibility pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌpɒsɪˈbɪlɪti/ (pos-ih-BIL-ih-tee).