pos·si·bil·i·ty /ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti $ ˌpɑː-/ ●●● S2 W2 noun (plural possibilities) 1 [countableC, uncountableU]POSSIBLE if there is a possibility that something is true or that something will happen, it might be true or it might happen 可能,可能性 There’s always a possibility that he might go back to Seattle. 他也许会回到西雅图去,这种可能性一直存在。
the possibility of an enemy attack 敌人进攻的可能性
There was no possibility of changing the voting procedure. 改变投票程序是不可能的。
A peace settlement now looks like a real possibility. 达成和平协议现在看来有很大的可能性。
Tomorrow, there’s a remote possibility of snow on high ground. 明天高原地区下雪的可能性甚微。
They might get married – it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility. 他们也许会结婚——这并非不可能。
The study raises the possibility that dieting is bad for your health. 那项研究指出节食有可能损害健康。
2 [countableC usually plural]CHANCE/OPPORTUNITY an opportunity to do something, or something that can be done or tried 机会;可能的办法possibilities for/of (doing) something exciting possibilities for reducing costs 令人振奋的降低成本的可能方法
Archer began to explore the possibilities of opening a club in the city. 阿彻开始想办法在城里开设一家俱乐部。
The US has not yet exhausted all diplomatic possibilities (=tried everything possible). 美国还没有使尽外交手段。
the range of possibilities offered to students 提供给学生的各种选择
3 have possibilities POSSIBLEif something has possibilities, it could be made into something much better 有潜力,有发展的可能性 SYN have potential The house has great possibilities. 这房子有很大的潜在价值。
have possibilities• This place has a lot of possibilities, but it will need some work.
n COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 1: if there is a possibility that something is true or that something will happen, it might be true or it might happenadjectivesa strong/good possibility (=something that is very likely)There is a strong possibility that the drug causes similar damage in humans.
a real possibility (=something that is quite likely)At this moment, a recession is a real possibility.
a distinct possibility (=something that is quite likely)I knew there was a distinct possibility that I might fail my degree.
a remote/faint possibility (=something that is not very likely)There's no point worrying about such a remote possibility.
verbsa possibility existsThe possibility exists that he misunderstood the data.
something remains a possibilityWar remains a possibility.
consider a possibilityPolice in Glasgow are considering the possibility that the death may be drug-related.
raise a possibility (=say or show that something may happen or may be true)The government has raised the possibility of an early election next year.
rule out/exclude a possibility (=say that something will definitely not happen or is definitely not true)We can't rule out the possibility that there will be more redundancies.
phrasesthere is a possibility thatThere is a possibility that files could be lost if the system crashes.
n COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: an opportunity to do something, or something that can be done or triedverbsconsider a possibility (=think about whether you should take an opportunity)We even began to consider the possibility of moving there permanently.
explore a possibility (=think carefully and find out about an opportunity)You may want to explore the possibility of setting up your own business.
offer a possibility (=make an opportunity available)Technology offers exciting possibilities to designers.
open up a possibility (=make a new opportunity available)His recent performance opens up the possibility for him to compete in the Olympic Games.
exhaust the possibilities (=try everything possible)I was determined not to give up until I had exhausted all the possibilities.
adjectivesnew possibilitiesNew possibilities lay before him.
exciting possibilitiesThe city offers many exciting possibilities for young people.
tremendous possibilities (=very good or important opportunities)This discovery opens up tremendous possibilities for cancer screening.