How to pronounce possible
Say it like POS-uh-bul. Possible has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce possible. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POS
- uh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Possible pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of possible
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: POS-ih-bul.
What does possible mean?
- capable of happening or existing“a breakthrough may be possible next year”“anything is possible”
- existing in possibility“a potential problem”“possible uses of nuclear power”
- something that can be done“politics is the art of the possible”
- an applicant who might be suitable
Where does possible come from?
From Middle English possible, from Old French possible, from Latin possibilis (“possible”), from posse, possum (“to be able”); see power.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying possible
How do you pronounce possible?
Say POS-uh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑsəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈpɒsɪbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in possible?
Possible has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POS). Broken into parts: POS · uh · bul.
Is possible 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 /ˈpɒsɪbəl/ (POS-ih-bul).